Mission Summary
Apollo 15 was the first of NASA’s extended “J missions,” designed to maximize scientific exploration of the Moon. Launched on July 26, 1971, the mission carried astronauts David Scott, James Irwin, and Alfred Worden to the Hadley-Apennine region, one of the Moon’s most geologically diverse landing sites. The mission introduced the Lunar Roving Vehicle, allowing astronauts to travel much farther from their landing site than ever before.
Scott and Irwin spent more than 66 hours on the lunar surface, completing three moonwalks and driving nearly 28 kilometers (17 miles) across the rugged landscape. They deployed scientific experiments, explored the Apennine Mountains and Hadley Rille, and collected approximately 77 kilograms (170 pounds) of lunar rocks and soil, including the famous Genesis Rock, believed at the time to be one of the Moon’s oldest samples. Meanwhile, Worden conducted extensive scientific observations from lunar orbit and later performed the first deep-space spacewalk during the return journey to retrieve film canisters.
Apollo 15 transformed lunar exploration from brief visits into detailed scientific expeditions. The mission demonstrated the value of extended surface operations, mobile exploration, and orbital science, setting a new standard for the final Apollo missions.
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