425. [Apollo 17] EUGENE CERNAN TEST-DRIVING THE FINAL ROVER ON THE MOON'S SURFACE Harrison Schmitt, 7-19 December 1972, EVA 1 Printed 1972. Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image AS17-147-22526]. With "A Kodak Paper" watermark on the reverse, numbered "NASA AS17-147-22526" in red in the top margin (issued by NASA Manned Spacecraft Centre, Houston, Texas). 25.4 x 20.3 cm. (10 x 8 in.) Historical context Taking the Lunar Rover for a spin in the majestic scenery of Taurus-Littrow. Shortly after extracting and deploying the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) from Challenger, Eugene Cernan gives it a test drive at Taurus-Littrow Base, with the imposing South Massif rising in the background. Note the dust being kicked up by the right-front wheel, even at low speeds—an effect of the Moon's lower gravity and lack of atmosphere. This successful checkout was a moment of relief for the crew, as Apollo 17's mission plan called for longer traverses than any previous Apollo expedition. Once confirmed operational, the Rover was loaded with tools, scientific instruments, a TV camera, and communication antennas for the extensive lunar explorations ahead. "What really seemed fast was the fact that you kept bouncing off the surface. You didn't want to go any faster! The rover left the surface at every bump." —Harrison Schmitt (Chaikin, Voices, p. 78) Literature Spacecam, Photographing the final frontier from Apollo to Hubble, Hope, p. 24 : APOLLO 17 LUNAR MISSION 1972 " ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS " NASA DOCUMENTARY 17694