What was Apollo 16, and what was its significance in the Apollo program?

Apollo 16 was the tenth crewed mission of the United States Apollo space program, administered by NASA. It was the fifth mission to land on the Moon and the second of the Apollo 'J missions,' which focused on extended lunar surface stays and scientific exploration using the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV).

Who comprised the crew of the Apollo 16 mission?

The crew of Apollo 16 consisted of Commander John W. Young, Lunar Module Pilot Charles M. Duke Jr., and Command Module Pilot Ken Mattingly II. This was Young's fourth spaceflight, Mattingly's first, and Duke's only spaceflight.

What were the call signs for the Apollo 16 Command/Service Module (CSM) and Lunar Module (LM)?

The Command and Service Module (CSM) was called "Casper," chosen by Ken Mattingly for its non-serious connotation. The Lunar Module (LM) was named "Orion," selected by John Young and Charles Duke because it was a prominent, easily pronounceable constellation associated with the stars.

When did the Apollo 16 mission launch, and what was its total duration?

The Apollo 16 mission launched on April 16, 1972, and concluded with splashdown on April 27, 1972. The total mission duration was 11 days, 1 hour, 51 minutes, and 5 seconds.

What launch vehicle was used for the Apollo 16 mission?

Apollo 16 was launched using a Saturn V rocket, specifically designated as AS-511. This was the eleventh Saturn V flown and the ninth used for a crewed mission.

Where did Apollo 16 land on the Moon, and why was this site chosen?

Apollo 16 landed in the Descartes Highlands, a region on the Moon selected because some scientists theorized it might be an area formed by volcanic activity. This hypothesis, however, was later proven incorrect by the analysis of lunar samples.

What was the primary scientific objective related to the landing site selection for Apollo 16?

Scientists aimed to study the lunar highlands, which were believed to contain some of the Moon's oldest geological material. Previous missions had sampled ejecta from the Mare Imbrium basin, but Apollo 16 was the first mission to directly visit the highlands themselves.

What geological formations were the primary sampling targets for Apollo 16?

The primary sampling targets for Apollo 16 were the Cayley and Descartes formations, located in the lunar highlands. These formations were initially suspected by some scientists to be volcanic in origin.

What significant geological finding resulted from the Apollo 16 mission regarding the Descartes Highlands?

The analysis of lunar samples collected by Apollo 16 provided evidence that the Cayley Formation was not volcanic. While the origin of the Descartes Formation remained somewhat uncertain, the mission's findings largely disproved the pre-mission hypothesis of widespread lunar volcanism in the highlands.

What was the total mass of lunar samples collected by the Apollo 16 crew?

John Young and Charles Duke collected 95.71 kilograms (211.0 pounds) of lunar samples during their surface excursions. This collection included "Big Muley," the largest Moon rock ever retrieved during the Apollo program.

How many extravehicular activities (EVAs) or moonwalks did the Apollo 16 crew perform?

During their stay on the lunar surface, John Young and Charles Duke conducted three extravehicular activities (EVAs), commonly known as moonwalks. These excursions totaled 20 hours and 14 minutes.

What was the total distance covered by the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) during Apollo 16's surface operations?

The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) used on Apollo 16 covered a distance of 26.7 kilometers (16.6 miles) during the mission's three moonwalks.

What was the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP) and what components did it include on Apollo 16?

The ALSEP was a suite of nuclear-powered scientific experiments designed to continue functioning after the astronauts departed. For Apollo 16, it included a Passive Seismic Experiment (PSE), an Active Seismic Experiment (ASE), a Lunar Heat Flow Experiment (HFE), and a Lunar Surface Magnetometer (LSM).

What was the purpose of the Far Ultraviolet Camera/Spectrograph (UVC) deployed during Apollo 16?

The Far Ultraviolet Camera/Spectrograph (UVC) was the first astronomical instrument used for observations from the Moon. It was used to study celestial objects and Earth in ultraviolet light, providing spectacular images of Earth's hydrogen atmosphere and auroras.

What was the Apollo 16 Particles and Fields Subsatellite (PFS-2), and what happened to it?

PFS-2 was a small satellite released into lunar orbit from the Service Module to measure charged particles and magnetic fields. Due to Apollo 16's early return to Earth, the subsatellite was ejected into a lower orbit than planned and crashed onto the Moon about a month later.

What minor technical issue occurred en route to the Moon that caused a delay in the landing?

A problem with the spacecraft's main engine occurred en route to the Moon, leading to a six-hour delay. Mission managers considered aborting the mission but ultimately decided the issue could be managed, allowing the landing to proceed.

What was the significance of Ken Mattingly's solo activities while Young and Duke were on the lunar surface?

While Young and Duke explored the Moon, Ken Mattingly orbited in the Command Module, operating scientific instruments in the SIM bay and taking photographs. He also performed a spacewalk to retrieve film cassettes from the exterior of the Service Module.

What was the "Grand Prix" drive performed by John Young?

The "Grand Prix" was a demonstration drive of the Lunar Roving Vehicle performed by Commander John Young, which Charles Duke filmed. This maneuver was intended to test the rover's capabilities, including its speed, and was an activity that had been planned but failed on Apollo 15.

What did Charles Duke leave on the lunar surface?

Charles Duke left two items on the Moon: a plastic-encased photo portrait of his family, signed with a message, and a commemorative medal from the United States Air Force's 25th anniversary.

What was the outcome of the attempt to calibrate the Apollo 16 Passive Seismic Experiment (PSE)?

NASA intended to calibrate the PSE by crashing the LM's ascent stage near it. However, the crew lost control of the ascent stage after jettison, and it did not execute the planned de-orbit burn, so the calibration impact did not occur as planned.

What happened to the Lunar Module's ascent stage after liftoff from the Moon?

After liftoff and rendezvous with the Command Module, the Lunar Module ascent stage was jettisoned. Due to a possible failure to activate a switch before sealing it, it tumbled and NASA lost control, eventually crashing onto the Moon nearly a year later.

What scientific discovery was made regarding Earth from the ultraviolet camera used on Apollo 16?

The Far Ultraviolet Camera/Spectrograph provided the first photographs of Earth taken from a distance in ultraviolet light. These images revealed the full extent of Earth's hydrogen atmosphere, polar auroras, and the tropical airglow belt.

What was the highest elevation reached by the Apollo 16 astronauts on the lunar surface?

During their second moonwalk, John Young and Charles Duke reached the highest elevation of any Apollo mission when they ascended Stone Mountain to a cluster of craters known as "Cinco craters." They were approximately 152 meters (499 feet) above the valley floor.

What was the significance of the 'House Rock' sample collected near North Ray Crater?

Samples collected from 'House Rock,' a large boulder near North Ray Crater, provided the final evidence disproving the pre-mission hypothesis that the Descartes Highlands were volcanic. The rock showed numerous 'bullet hole' marks from micrometeoroid impacts.

What record did Apollo 16's second moonwalk set?

The second moonwalk of Apollo 16 lasted 7 hours, 23 minutes, and 26 seconds, setting a new record for the longest duration EVA during the Apollo lunar missions, surpassing the record set by Apollo 15.

What malfunction did Ken Mattingly detect in the Command/Service Module's engine system?

While preparing for orbital maneuvers, Ken Mattingly detected oscillations in the backup gimbal system of the Service Propulsion System (SPS) engine. This malfunction had previously caused a delay in the lunar landing.

What happened to the Apollo 16 Saturn V's S-IC first stage retrorockets?

The Saturn V for Apollo 16 (AS-511) had four retrorockets restored to its S-IC first stage, bringing the total to eight. This was a change from Apollo 15's Saturn V, which omitted four to save weight, as analysis showed the S-IC came closer to the spacecraft than expected after jettison.

What was the purpose of the 'barbecue' mode used during the trans-lunar coast?

The spacecraft rotated along its long axis three times per hour in a 'barbecue' mode. This was done to ensure even heat distribution across the spacecraft, preventing overheating on one side from the Sun.

What was the "light flash experiment" (ALFMED) conducted during Apollo 16?

The ALFMED experiment investigated "light flashes" observed by astronauts in dark conditions, believed to be caused by cosmic ray particles penetrating the eye. The crew participated in this experiment to gather data on this phenomenon.

What was the significance of John Young's fourth spaceflight with Apollo 16?

With Apollo 16, John Young became the second American astronaut, after Jim Lovell, to fly in space four times. His previous flights were on Gemini 3, Gemini 10, and Apollo 10.

What was the original planned duration for the Apollo 16 mission on the lunar surface, and how was it modified?

The mission was originally planned for a three-day stay on the lunar surface. However, due to delays caused by the main engine malfunction, the mission schedule was modified, including trimming the third moonwalk from seven hours to five hours.

What was the purpose of the Lunar Portable Magnetometer (LPM) used during Apollo 16?

The LPM was used to supplement the fixed Lunar Surface Magnetometer (LSM) by measuring the Moon's magnetic field strength at various locations. It was carried on the lunar rover and activated at several geology stops.

What happened to the Lunar Module's descent stage after the ascent stage lifted off?

The descent stage of the Lunar Module "Orion" remained on the lunar surface after the ascent stage departed. It was photographed by the TV camera left on the LRV at the 'VIP site' to observe the liftoff.

What was the fate of the S-IVB stage after the Apollo 16 mission?

The S-IVB third stage of the Saturn V rocket was deliberately crashed into the Moon. Its impact site was later identified in Mare Insularum by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.

Where is the Apollo 16 command module, "Casper," currently located?

The Apollo 16 command module, "Casper," is on display at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, after being transferred from NASA to the Smithsonian Institution.

What incident occurred at the North Island Naval Air Station involving the Apollo 16 command module?

Shortly after the command module "Casper" arrived at the North Island Naval Air Station, an explosion occurred in a hangar when ground service equipment used to empty residual fuel tanks detonated. The incident injured 46 people and damaged the hangar and the command module.

What was the significance of the Apollo 16 mission in terms of lunar volcanism research?

Apollo 16's exploration of the Descartes Highlands, initially thought to be volcanic, yielded samples that ultimately disproved this hypothesis. The mission contributed to the scientific understanding that volcanic mountains are rare on the Moon.

What was the purpose of the Apollo 16 subsatellite, PFS-2, and why did it have a short operational life?

PFS-2 was designed to study charged particles and magnetic fields around the Moon. Its operational life was cut short because the Apollo 16 mission returned early, resulting in the subsatellite being placed in a lower orbit where lunar mascons caused its orbit to decay rapidly, leading to a crash within a month.

What was the role of the support crew during the Apollo missions, and who were they for Apollo 16?

Support crews assisted the prime and backup crews by managing mission rules, flight plans, and checklists. For Apollo 16, the support crew included Anthony W. England, Karl G. Henize, Henry W. Hartsfield Jr., Robert F. Overmyer, and Donald H. Peterson.

What were the call signs chosen by the Apollo 16 crew for their spacecraft?

The Lunar Module's call sign was 'Orion,' chosen by Young and Duke for its association with stars. The Command Module's call sign was 'Casper,' selected by Mattingly as a lighthearted name.

What was the mission type designation for Apollo 16, and what did it signify?

Apollo 16 was designated as a 'J mission.' This classification indicated a focus on extended lunar surface stays, scientific objectives, and the use of the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV).

What was the significance of Charles Duke being 36 years old at the time of the Apollo 16 mission?

At 36 years old, Charles Duke was the youngest of the twelve astronauts who walked on the Moon during the Apollo program at the time of the mission.

What scientific instrument unique to Apollo 16 was deployed during Ken Mattingly's spacewalk?

During his spacewalk, Ken Mattingly deployed the Microbial Ecology Evaluation Device (MEED). This experiment was designed to assess how microbes responded to the space environment.

What was the primary reason for the postponement of the Apollo 16 launch from March to April 1972?

The launch was postponed due to several issues, including a burst bladder in the Command Module's reaction control system, concerns about an explosive cord for LM jettison, and a problem with Charles Duke's spacesuit.

What was the purpose of the Apollo 16 mission's participation in the Apollo light flash experiment (ALFMED)?

The ALFMED experiment aimed to investigate the 'light flashes' reported by astronauts, which were thought to be caused by cosmic ray particles passing through their eyes. The Apollo 16 crew participated to gather data on this phenomenon.

What was the significance of the Apollo 16 mission in terms of lunar geology exploration?

Apollo 16 was the first mission to directly explore the lunar highlands, specifically the Descartes region. This provided crucial data for understanding the Moon's geological history, including testing hypotheses about ancient volcanic activity.

What was the total mass of the Apollo 16 Lunar Module, "Orion," at landing?

The Apollo 16 Lunar Module, "Orion," had a landing mass of 5,441 kilograms (11,995 pounds).

What was the total mass of the Apollo 16 Command and Service Module, "Casper," at launch?

The Apollo 16 Command and Service Module had a launch mass of 52,759 kilograms (116,314 pounds).

What was the duration of the EVA performed by Ken Mattingly during the return trip to Earth?

Ken Mattingly performed an EVA lasting 83 minutes during the return journey to retrieve film cassettes from the Service Module's scientific instrument bay.

What was the maximum temperature experienced by the Apollo 16 command module's heat shield during atmospheric reentry?

During atmospheric reentry, the command module's heat shield reached temperatures between 2,200 and 2,480 degrees Celsius (4,000 to 4,500 degrees Fahrenheit).

What was the splashdown location of the Apollo 16 command module?

The Apollo 16 command module splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 350 kilometers (189 nautical miles) southeast of the island of Kiritimati.

Apollo 16 Wiki: Apollo 16: Charting the Descartes Highlands

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Mission Overview

The Fifth Lunar Landing

Apollo 16, designated as the tenth crewed mission of the Apollo program, marked the fifth lunar landing. It was the second of the program's "J missions," characterized by extended lunar surface stays, a strong emphasis on scientific objectives, and the utilization of the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV).

Landing Site: Descartes Highlands

The mission targeted the Descartes Highlands, a region selected for its potential to reveal insights into lunar volcanic activity. While initial hypotheses suggested volcanic origins, the geological samples collected ultimately indicated otherwise, contributing significantly to our understanding of lunar geological processes.

Duration and Scope

The mission spanned 11 days, 1 hour, 51 minutes, and 5 seconds. The crew spent approximately 71 hours on the lunar surface, conducting three extravehicular activities (EVAs) totaling over 20 hours, covering a distance of 26.7 kilometers using the LRV.

The Apollo 16 Crew

Commander: John W. Young

A seasoned astronaut with prior missions including Gemini 3, Gemini 10, and Apollo 10, John Young commanded Apollo 16. At 41, he was a Captain in the U.S. Navy and became the second American to fly in space four times.

Command Module Pilot: Thomas K. Mattingly II

Thomas Mattingly, a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy, served as the Command Module Pilot. Selected in 1966, he had previously been assigned to Apollo 13 but was replaced due to potential rubella exposure. His role involved orbiting the Moon while Young and Duke were on the surface.

Lunar Module Pilot: Charles M. Duke Jr.

Charles Duke, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, was the Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 16. This was his sole spaceflight, making him the youngest of the twelve astronauts to walk on the Moon at the time of the mission (age 36).

Launch Vehicle & Spacecraft

Saturn V (AS-511)

The mission utilized the powerful Saturn V rocket, designated AS-511. This was the eleventh Saturn V flown and the ninth for a crewed mission. Minor modifications, including the reintroduction of retrorockets on the first stage, were implemented for enhanced safety and mission success.

Command/Service Module (CSM)

The CSM, named Casper, was manufactured by North American Rockwell. It served as the crew's primary living and working space during the translunar coast and lunar orbit phases. Thomas Mattingly piloted Casper during the mission.

Lunar Module (LM)

The Lunar Module, named Orion, was built by Grumman. It was designed for descent to and ascent from the lunar surface. John Young and Charles Duke piloted Orion, successfully landing in the Descartes Highlands.

Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV)

Apollo 16 was the second mission to deploy the LRV, a four-wheeled electric vehicle. This enabled the crew to explore greater distances from the LM, significantly expanding their scientific reach on the lunar surface. Young and Duke drove the LRV for 26.7 kilometers.

Lunar Surface Operations

Moonwalks (EVAs)

Young and Duke conducted three EVAs, totaling 20 hours, 14 minutes, and 14 seconds. These excursions focused on geological surveys, sample collection, and the deployment of scientific instruments.

EVA-1: Focused on deploying the LRV, ALSEP, and initial sample collection near Plum Crater. John Young famously collected the largest Moon rock of the Apollo program, "Big Muley".
EVA-2: Explored Stone Mountain, reaching the highest elevation of any Apollo mission. The crew collected samples believed to be from the Descartes Formation.
EVA-3: Visited North Ray crater and "House Rock," a large boulder providing crucial evidence against the volcanic hypothesis for the Descartes region. Duke left a family photo and an Air Force medallion.

Geological Exploration

The primary scientific objective was to investigate the Descartes Highlands. The crew collected 95.71 kilograms of lunar samples, including breccias and crystalline rocks. Their findings challenged pre-mission theories about lunar volcanism, suggesting impact processes played a more significant role in shaping the highlands.

ALSEP Deployment

An Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP) was deployed, including a Passive Seismic Experiment, Active Seismic Experiment, Lunar Heat Flow Experiment, and Lunar Surface Magnetometer. These instruments continued to transmit data back to Earth long after the crew's departure.

Scientific Discoveries

Challenging Volcanic Theories

Analysis of samples from the Descartes and Cayley Formations provided critical data. Contrary to expectations, the geological evidence did not support the hypothesis of widespread lunar volcanism in this region. This led to a revised understanding of lunar geological evolution, emphasizing impact cratering.

Ultraviolet Astronomy

The mission carried a Far Ultraviolet Camera/Spectrograph, enabling the first astronomical observations from the Moon. This instrument captured images of Earth in ultraviolet light, revealing details of its hydrogen atmosphere and auroral belts.

Lunar Magnetism & Heat Flow

Experiments measured the Moon's weak magnetic field and heat flow from its interior. The Lunar Surface Magnetometer provided data on the lunar magnetic field's strength and variations. The Heat Flow Experiment, despite some difficulties, aimed to measure thermal gradients within the Moon.

Return Journey & Legacy

Trans-Earth Injection

After lunar liftoff and rendezvous with the CSM Casper, the crew jettisoned the LM ascent stage. The Service Module's engine was reignited for the trans-Earth injection burn, propelling them back towards Earth. A minor issue with the engine's backup gimbal system had necessitated a delay in the lunar landing but was successfully worked around for the return.

Deep Space EVA

During the return journey, Ken Mattingly performed an 83-minute Extravehicular Activity (EVA) in deep space to retrieve film cassettes from the Service Module's Scientific Instrument Module bay. This was one of only three such EVAs in the Apollo program.

Splashdown

Apollo 16 splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean on April 27, 1972, after an 11-day mission. The command module, Casper, was recovered by the USS Ticonderoga. The mission concluded successfully, contributing invaluable data to lunar science.

Artifacts and Astronauts

The command module Casper is now displayed at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Crew members John Young and Ken Mattingly later commanded Space Shuttle missions, extending their contributions to space exploration.

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References

Brooks, Grimwood, & Swenson 1979, p. 261.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Apollo 16 Wikipedia page

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This content has been generated by an AI model and is based on publicly available information from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended for informational and educational purposes only.

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The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein.

Apollo 16: Charting the Descartes Highlands

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Mission Overview 🌕

🚀 The Fifth Lunar Landing

📍 Landing Site: Descartes Highlands

⏳ Duration and Scope

The Apollo 16 Crew 👨‍🚀

🧑‍✈️ Commander: John W. Young

🛰️ Command Module Pilot: Thomas K. Mattingly II

🪨 Lunar Module Pilot: Charles M. Duke Jr.

Launch Vehicle & Spacecraft ⚙️

💥 Saturn V (AS-511)

🏠 Command/Service Module (CSM)

🛸 Lunar Module (LM)

🚗 Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV)

Lunar Surface Operations 🪨

🚶 Moonwalks (EVAs)

🗺️ Geological Exploration

🛰️ ALSEP Deployment

Scientific Discoveries 🔬

💡 Challenging Volcanic Theories

🔭 Ultraviolet Astronomy

⚡ Lunar Magnetism & Heat Flow

Return Journey & Legacy 🌍

💫 Trans-Earth Injection

🧑‍🚀 Deep Space EVA

🌊 Splashdown

🏛️ Artifacts and Astronauts

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Mission Overview

The Fifth Lunar Landing

Landing Site: Descartes Highlands

Duration and Scope

The Apollo 16 Crew

Commander: John W. Young

Command Module Pilot: Thomas K. Mattingly II

Lunar Module Pilot: Charles M. Duke Jr.

Launch Vehicle & Spacecraft

Saturn V (AS-511)

Command/Service Module (CSM)

Lunar Module (LM)

Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV)

Lunar Surface Operations

Moonwalks (EVAs)

Geological Exploration

ALSEP Deployment

Scientific Discoveries

Challenging Volcanic Theories

Ultraviolet Astronomy

Lunar Magnetism & Heat Flow

Return Journey & Legacy

Trans-Earth Injection

Deep Space EVA

Splashdown

Artifacts and Astronauts

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice