445. [Apollo 17] LM CHALLENGER REJOINS CSM AMERICA IN ORBIT AFTER HUMANITY'S FINAL LUNAR EXPLORATION Ronald Evans, 7–19 December 1972 Printed 1972-1973. Vintage chromogenic print on early resin coated Kodak paper [NASA image AS17-149-22857]. With NASA caption numbered "72-H-1636", "72-HC-981", "G-73-5365" and "A Kodak Paper" watermark on the reverse (issued by NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre, Greenbelt, Maryland). 20.3 x 25.4 cm. (8 x 10 in.) Historical context A stunning photograph of Challenger, the final spacecraft to carry humans to the surface of another world and back. Remarkably, Eugene Cernan's bubble helmet is visible in the right window of the Lunar Module, preparing for transfer in the Command Module America and the journey home. This image symbolizes not only the triumph of human ingenuity but also the end of a golden era in human space exploration. Captured from America, this photograph shows Challenger's ascent stage in lunar orbit. The spacecraft's reflective surface gleams against the black void of space, emphasizing both its intricate engineering and the starkness of the lunar environment. The craftsmanship of the module, seemingly delicate yet capable of safely delivering astronauts to and from the Moon, highlights the extraordinary precision and innovation required for these missions. Small reaction control thrusters are visible along the sides of the moonship, with the bell of the ascent rocket engine beneath. The hatch used for lunar surface access is prominently visible at the front, and a round radar antenna sits at the top. The Lunar Module's descent stage, which served as a launch platform, remains on the Moon. From the mission transcript when the photograph was taken: 189:55:15 Cernan: It is unbelievable. This (the LM) is the greatest flying in the world, Ron. 189:55:18 Evans: (laughter) 189:55:18 Cernan: Can you see me? 189:55:19 Evans: Yes, I can see you. Right in there. Literature Voices from the Moon, Chaikin, p.117 : APOLLO 17 LUNAR MISSION 1972 " ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS " NASA DOCUMENTARY 17694