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The Command Module for Apollo 16 was named 'Orion'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Command Module for Apollo 16 was named 'Casper.' The Lunar Module was named 'Orion.'
Apollo 16 launched in April 1972 and concluded its mission later that same month.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Apollo 16 mission commenced on April 16, 1972, and concluded with its splashdown on April 27, 1972, both dates falling within the month of April.
Support crews for Apollo 16 included astronauts like Anthony W. England and Karl G. Henize.
Answer: True
Explanation: The support crew for Apollo 16 included astronauts such as Anthony W. England and Karl G. Henize, who assisted the prime and backup crews.
The Apollo 16 launch was delayed from March to April 1972 due to a minor software glitch.
Answer: False
Explanation: The launch was postponed due to several technical issues, including problems with the Command Module's reaction control system and spacesuits, not a minor software glitch.
Who were the three crew members of the Apollo 16 mission?
Answer: John W. Young, Charles M. Duke Jr., Ken Mattingly II
Explanation: The prime crew for the Apollo 16 mission comprised Commander John W. Young, Lunar Module Pilot Charles M. Duke Jr., and Command Module Pilot Ken Mattingly II.
What were the call signs chosen for the Apollo 16 Command/Service Module and Lunar Module?
Answer: Casper and Orion
Explanation: The Command and Service Module (CSM) for Apollo 16 was designated with the call sign 'Casper,' while the Lunar Module (LM) was named 'Orion.'
When did the Apollo 16 mission launch and splash down?
Answer: Launched April 16, 1972; Splashed down April 27, 1972
Explanation: The Apollo 16 mission commenced its launch on April 16, 1972, and successfully concluded with splashdown on April 27, 1972.
What was the primary reason for the postponement of the Apollo 16 launch from March to April 1972?
Answer: Concerns about the Command Module's reaction control system and spacesuit issues.
Explanation: The launch of Apollo 16 was postponed due to a confluence of technical issues, including problems with the Command Module's reaction control system and astronauts' spacesuits.
The Apollo 16 mission utilized a Saturn V rocket designated as AS-511.
Answer: True
Explanation: Apollo 16 was launched using the Saturn V rocket, specifically designated as AS-511. This was the eleventh Saturn V flight and the ninth used for a crewed mission.
A minor issue with the spacecraft's main engine en route to the Moon caused the mission to be aborted.
Answer: False
Explanation: A problem with the spacecraft's main engine en route to the Moon did occur, causing a delay. However, mission managers determined the issue was manageable, and the mission proceeded without being aborted.
Ken Mattingly detected oscillations in the primary gimbal system of the Service Propulsion System (SPS) engine.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ken Mattingly detected oscillations in the *backup* gimbal system of the Service Propulsion System (SPS) engine, not the primary system. This issue had previously caused a mission delay.
The Saturn V rocket used for Apollo 16 had fewer retrorockets on its first stage compared to Apollo 15.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Saturn V rocket used for Apollo 16 had eight retrorockets on its first stage, an increase from the four used on Apollo 15. This change was made to ensure greater separation distance after stage jettison.
The 'barbecue' mode involved the spacecraft rotating to distribute heat evenly.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'barbecue' mode involved rotating the spacecraft along its longitudinal axis to ensure uniform thermal distribution, preventing excessive solar heating on any single side.
The Apollo 16 mission was primarily focused on testing the Saturn V rocket's capabilities.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the Saturn V was essential, the Apollo 16 mission, designated a 'J mission,' primarily focused on extended lunar surface stays, scientific objectives, and geological exploration, utilizing the Lunar Roving Vehicle.
The Apollo 16 Lunar Module 'Orion' had a landing mass of approximately 12,000 pounds.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Apollo 16 Lunar Module 'Orion' had a landing mass of approximately 11,995 pounds (5,441 kilograms), which is very close to 12,000 pounds.
The Apollo 16 command module's heat shield reached temperatures around 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit during reentry.
Answer: True
Explanation: During atmospheric reentry, the Apollo 16 command module's heat shield experienced temperatures ranging from approximately 4,000 to 4,500 degrees Fahrenheit (2,200 to 2,480 degrees Celsius).
Which launch vehicle was used for the Apollo 16 mission?
Answer: Saturn V
Explanation: The Apollo 16 mission utilized the Saturn V launch vehicle, designated as AS-511.
What technical issue occurred en route to the Moon that caused a significant delay?
Answer: A problem with the spacecraft's main engine.
Explanation: A significant technical issue involving the spacecraft's main engine occurred during the translunar coast, necessitating a delay in the mission timeline.
What malfunction did Ken Mattingly detect in the Command/Service Module's engine system?
Answer: Oscillations in the backup gimbal system.
Explanation: Ken Mattingly detected oscillations within the backup gimbal system of the Service Propulsion System (SPS) engine, a malfunction that had previously been a factor in delaying the mission's lunar landing.
Why were retrorockets added back to the S-IC first stage of the Apollo 16 Saturn V, unlike the Apollo 15 version?
Answer: To ensure the stage moved away from the spacecraft more effectively after separation.
Explanation: Retrorockets were restored to the S-IC first stage of the Apollo 16 Saturn V to ensure the stage moved a greater distance away from the spacecraft after separation, based on analysis of Apollo 15.
What was the purpose of the 'barbecue' mode during the trans-lunar coast?
Answer: To rotate the spacecraft for even heat distribution.
Explanation: The 'barbecue' mode involved rotating the spacecraft along its longitudinal axis to ensure uniform thermal distribution, preventing excessive solar heating on any single side during the trans-lunar coast.
What was the approximate landing mass of the Apollo 16 Lunar Module, 'Orion'?
Answer: Approximately 11,995 pounds
Explanation: The Apollo 16 Lunar Module, designated 'Orion,' had an approximate landing mass of 11,995 pounds (5,441 kilograms).
During atmospheric reentry, the Apollo 16 command module's heat shield reached temperatures up to approximately:
Answer: 4,500 degrees Fahrenheit
Explanation: During atmospheric reentry, the Apollo 16 command module's heat shield experienced temperatures reaching approximately 4,500 degrees Fahrenheit (2,480 degrees Celsius).
Apollo 16 landed in the Descartes Highlands, a region initially theorized by some scientists to be volcanic.
Answer: True
Explanation: The landing site for Apollo 16 was the Descartes Highlands, a region selected based on the prevailing scientific hypothesis that it might exhibit evidence of ancient volcanic activity.
The primary scientific objective for selecting the Apollo 16 landing site was to study the lunar maria, which were believed to be the Moon's oldest geological features.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary scientific objective was to study the lunar highlands, believed to contain some of the Moon's oldest geological material, not the lunar maria. Apollo 16 was the first mission to directly visit the highlands.
Analysis of lunar samples from Apollo 16 confirmed the Cayley Formation was volcanic in origin.
Answer: False
Explanation: Analysis of lunar samples collected by Apollo 16 provided evidence that the Cayley Formation was not volcanic, largely disproving the pre-mission hypothesis of widespread lunar volcanism in the highlands.
The 'House Rock' sample provided evidence supporting the volcanic origin hypothesis for the Descartes Highlands.
Answer: False
Explanation: Samples from 'House Rock,' a large boulder near North Ray Crater, provided definitive evidence disproving the pre-mission hypothesis that the Descartes Highlands were volcanic in origin.
The Apollo 16 mission definitively proved widespread volcanic mountains exist on the Moon.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Apollo 16 mission's findings, particularly regarding the Descartes Highlands, contributed to the scientific understanding that large volcanic mountains are rare on the Moon, rather than proving their widespread existence.
What was the primary objective of the Apollo 16 mission's landing site selection in the Descartes Highlands?
Answer: To explore a region believed to be formed by ancient volcanic activity.
Explanation: The Descartes Highlands were selected as the landing site for Apollo 16 because scientists hypothesized that this region might have been formed by ancient volcanic activity. This exploration aimed to investigate the geological history of the lunar highlands.
What significant geological finding resulted from the analysis of Apollo 16 samples concerning the Descartes Highlands?
Answer: Disproving the hypothesis that the Cayley Formation was volcanic.
Explanation: Analysis of lunar samples from Apollo 16, particularly from the Cayley Formation within the Descartes Highlands, provided evidence that largely disproved the pre-mission hypothesis of widespread volcanic activity in this region.
What was the significance of the Apollo 16 mission in lunar geology exploration?
Answer: It provided the first direct exploration of the lunar highlands, testing volcanism hypotheses.
Explanation: Apollo 16 marked a pivotal moment as the first mission to conduct direct exploration of the lunar highlands, enabling the testing of hypotheses concerning ancient volcanic processes.
Apollo 16 was the first Apollo mission to utilize the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) for extended surface exploration.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Apollo 16 extensively utilized the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) for surface exploration, it was not the first Apollo mission to do so; Apollo 15 was the inaugural mission to employ the LRV.
The Apollo 16 crew collected over 100 kilograms of lunar samples.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Apollo 16 crew collected 95.71 kilograms (211.0 pounds) of lunar samples, which is less than 100 kilograms.
The Apollo 16 crew performed only two extravehicular activities (EVAs) on the lunar surface.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Apollo 16 crew performed three extravehicular activities (EVAs), or moonwalks, during their time on the lunar surface.
The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) used on Apollo 16 covered a distance of approximately 10 miles.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) used on Apollo 16 covered a distance of 26.7 kilometers, which is approximately 16.6 miles, not 10 miles.
The 'Grand Prix' drive was a scientific experiment conducted to measure lunar soil density.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Grand Prix' drive was a demonstration maneuver performed by Commander John Young to test the Lunar Roving Vehicle's speed and handling capabilities, not a scientific experiment measuring soil density.
Apollo 16 astronauts reached an elevation of approximately 500 feet above the valley floor during their second moonwalk.
Answer: True
Explanation: During their second lunar EVA, Commander John Young and Lunar Module Pilot Charles Duke ascended Stone Mountain to a cluster of craters, reaching an altitude of approximately 152 meters (499 feet) above the valley floor, the highest elevation of any Apollo mission.
The original plan for Apollo 16 included a five-hour third moonwalk, which was later extended.
Answer: False
Explanation: The original plan for the third moonwalk was seven hours. Due to mission schedule modifications resulting from earlier delays, this duration was *trimmed* to five hours, not extended.
How much lunar sample mass did the Apollo 16 crew collect?
Answer: Approximately 95.71 kilograms
Explanation: During their surface excursions, Commander John Young and Lunar Module Pilot Charles Duke amassed 95.71 kilograms (211.0 pounds) of lunar samples.
What was the total number of moonwalks (EVAs) conducted by the Apollo 16 crew?
Answer: Three
Explanation: The Apollo 16 crew performed three extravehicular activities (EVAs), or moonwalks, during their time on the lunar surface.
What distance did the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) cover during Apollo 16's surface operations?
Answer: Both A and B
Explanation: The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) utilized during the Apollo 16 mission covered a total distance of 26.7 kilometers, equivalent to 16.6 miles, across its surface operations.
What was the purpose of the 'Grand Prix' maneuver performed by John Young?
Answer: To test the Lunar Roving Vehicle's speed and handling capabilities.
Explanation: The 'Grand Prix' maneuver, performed by Commander John Young, constituted a demonstration drive of the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) designed to assess its performance characteristics, such as speed and maneuverability.
How was the duration of the Apollo 16 mission on the lunar surface modified due to mission delays?
Answer: The third moonwalk was trimmed from seven hours to five hours.
Explanation: Due to mission delays, the planned duration of the third moonwalk was modified, being trimmed from an initial seven hours to five hours.
The Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP) deployed on Apollo 16 was designed to cease functioning shortly after the astronauts departed.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ALSEP was designed as a suite of nuclear-powered scientific experiments intended to continue functioning for an extended period after the astronauts departed the lunar surface.
The Far Ultraviolet Camera/Spectrograph (UVC) was the first astronomical instrument used for observations from the Moon.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Far Ultraviolet Camera/Spectrograph (UVC) deployed during Apollo 16 represented the first astronomical instrument utilized for observations conducted from the lunar surface.
The Apollo 16 Particles and Fields Subsatellite (PFS-2) successfully completed its planned extended mission in lunar orbit.
Answer: False
Explanation: The operational life of the PFS-2 subsatellite was cut short. Due to the Apollo 16 mission's early return, the subsatellite was placed in a lower orbit, leading to its rapid decay and crash onto the Moon within a month.
The Far Ultraviolet Camera/Spectrograph provided the first images of Earth taken in visible light from the Moon.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Far Ultraviolet Camera/Spectrograph provided the first photographs of Earth taken in *ultraviolet* light, revealing its hydrogen atmosphere and auroras, not visible light images.
The Apollo 16 light flash experiment (ALFMED) aimed to study the effects of lunar dust on astronaut vision.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ALFMED experiment investigated 'light flashes' perceived by astronauts, which were hypothesized to be caused by cosmic ray particles penetrating their eyes, not by lunar dust.
The Apollo 16 subsatellite, PFS-2, had a long operational life due to its stable orbit.
Answer: False
Explanation: The PFS-2 subsatellite had a short operational life because it was placed in a lower orbit than planned, causing its orbit to decay rapidly due to lunar mascons, leading to a crash within a month.
The Microbial Ecology Evaluation Device (MEED) was deployed during Ken Mattingly's spacewalk.
Answer: True
Explanation: During his spacewalk, Command Module Pilot Ken Mattingly deployed the Microbial Ecology Evaluation Device (MEED), an experiment designed to assess microbial responses to the space environment.
Which of the following was NOT a component of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP) deployed on Apollo 16?
Answer: Solar Wind Composition Experiment (SWC)
Explanation: The Solar Wind Composition Experiment (SWC) was not a component of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP) deployed on Apollo 16. The deployed instruments included the Passive Seismic Experiment (PSE), Active Seismic Experiment (ASE), Lunar Heat Flow Experiment (HFE), and Lunar Surface Magnetometer (LSM).
What was unique about the Far Ultraviolet Camera/Spectrograph (UVC) deployed during Apollo 16?
Answer: It was the first astronomical instrument used for observations from the Moon.
Explanation: The Far Ultraviolet Camera/Spectrograph (UVC) deployed during Apollo 16 was unique as it represented the first astronomical instrument utilized for observations conducted from the lunar surface.
What significant discovery about Earth was made using the Far Ultraviolet Camera/Spectrograph?
Answer: The first photographs of Earth taken from a distance in ultraviolet light, revealing its hydrogen atmosphere and auroras.
Explanation: The Far Ultraviolet Camera/Spectrograph (UVC) provided the first photographic documentation of Earth from a distance in ultraviolet light, revealing its extensive hydrogen atmosphere, polar auroras, and the tropical airglow belt.
The Apollo 16 light flash experiment (ALFMED) investigated phenomena believed to be caused by what?
Answer: Cosmic ray particles penetrating the astronauts' eyes.
Explanation: The Apollo 16 light flash experiment (ALFMED) investigated the 'light flashes' observed by astronauts, which were theorized to be caused by cosmic ray particles traversing the astronauts' eyes.
Ken Mattingly performed a spacewalk during the Apollo 16 mission to retrieve film cassettes.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the Apollo 16 mission, Command Module Pilot Ken Mattingly conducted a spacewalk to retrieve film cassettes from the exterior of the Service Module.
Charles Duke left a family photograph and a commemorative medal on the lunar surface.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lunar Module Pilot Charles Duke left two personal items on the lunar surface: a photograph of his family and a commemorative medal from the United States Air Force's 25th anniversary.
Apollo 16's second moonwalk set a record for the longest duration EVA during the Apollo lunar missions.
Answer: True
Explanation: The second lunar EVA of the Apollo 16 mission, lasting 7 hours, 23 minutes, and 26 seconds, established a new benchmark for the longest duration EVA within the Apollo lunar program.
John Young flew in space for the third time during the Apollo 16 mission.
Answer: False
Explanation: Apollo 16 marked John Young's fourth spaceflight, making him one of the most experienced astronauts at that time. His prior missions included Gemini 3, Gemini 10, and Apollo 10.
Charles Duke was the oldest astronaut to walk on the Moon during the Apollo program.
Answer: False
Explanation: Charles Duke was the *youngest* astronaut to walk on the Moon during the Apollo program, being 36 years old at the time of the Apollo 16 mission.
Ken Mattingly's EVA during the return trip lasted over two hours.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ken Mattingly's EVA during the return trip lasted 83 minutes, which is less than two hours.
What task did Ken Mattingly perform during his spacewalk while orbiting the Moon?
Answer: Retrieving film cassettes from the Service Module.
Explanation: During his spacewalk while orbiting the Moon, Ken Mattingly retrieved film cassettes from the scientific instrument bay located on the exterior of the Service Module.
What items did Charles Duke leave behind on the lunar surface?
Answer: A family photo portrait and an Air Force anniversary medal
Explanation: Lunar Module Pilot Charles Duke left two personal items on the lunar surface: a photograph of his family encased in plastic and a commemorative medal marking the 25th anniversary of the United States Air Force.
What record did Apollo 16's second moonwalk set?
Answer: The longest duration EVA during the Apollo lunar missions.
Explanation: The second lunar EVA of the Apollo 16 mission established a record for the longest duration EVA within the Apollo lunar program, lasting 7 hours, 23 minutes, and 26 seconds.
What was the significance of John Young's fourth spaceflight with Apollo 16?
Answer: It was his fourth spaceflight, making him one of the most experienced astronauts.
Explanation: Apollo 16 marked John Young's fourth spaceflight, positioning him as one of the most experienced astronauts in the program at that time, having previously flown on Gemini 3, Gemini 10, and Apollo 10.
What was the duration of Ken Mattingly's EVA during the return trip to Earth?
Answer: 83 minutes
Explanation: Ken Mattingly's Extravehicular Activity (EVA) conducted during the return trip to Earth lasted 83 minutes.
The Lunar Module's ascent stage was intentionally crashed onto the Moon shortly after rendezvous with the Command Module.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Lunar Module ascent stage was jettisoned after rendezvous, but it tumbled due to a loss of control and crashed onto the Moon nearly a year later, not shortly after rendezvous and not intentionally.
The Apollo 16 Lunar Module 'Orion' descent stage remained on the Moon and was photographed after liftoff.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the ascent stage's departure, the descent stage of the Lunar Module 'Orion' remained on the lunar surface and was photographed by the television camera left on the LRV to document the liftoff.
The S-IVB stage of the Apollo 16 Saturn V rocket was recovered and is now displayed at a museum.
Answer: False
Explanation: The S-IVB third stage of the Saturn V rocket was deliberately crashed into the Moon, not recovered for display.
The Apollo 16 command module, 'Casper', is currently housed at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Apollo 16 command module, 'Casper,' is currently displayed at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, not the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
An explosion occurred at North Island Naval Air Station involving the Apollo 16 command module shortly after its arrival.
Answer: True
Explanation: An explosion did occur in a hangar at North Island Naval Air Station shortly after the arrival of the Apollo 16 command module, 'Casper,' caused by ground service equipment used for fuel tank emptying.
The Apollo 16 command module splashed down near the coast of Florida.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Apollo 16 command module splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 350 kilometers southeast of Kiritimati, not near the coast of Florida.
What happened to the Lunar Module's ascent stage after it separated from the Command Module?
Answer: It was jettisoned and crashed onto the Moon later due to loss of control.
Explanation: Following rendezvous with the Command Module, the Lunar Module ascent stage was jettisoned. Due to a loss of control, it eventually impacted the Moon approximately one year after the mission.
Where is the Apollo 16 command module, 'Casper', currently located?
Answer: U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama
Explanation: The Apollo 16 command module, 'Casper,' is currently exhibited at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
What happened to the Apollo 16 Saturn V's S-IVB third stage after the mission?
Answer: It was deliberately crashed into the Moon.
Explanation: The S-IVB third stage of the Saturn V rocket utilized for Apollo 16 was intentionally impacted onto the lunar surface.
Where did the Apollo 16 command module splash down?
Answer: Pacific Ocean, southeast of Kiritimati
Explanation: The Apollo 16 command module concluded its mission with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, situated approximately 350 kilometers southeast of Kiritimati.