Posted on 12/27/2025 1:55:28 PM PST by MtnClimber
Explanation: Awkward and angular looking, Apollo 17's lunar module Challenger was designed for flight in the near vacuum of space. Digitally enhanced and reprocessed, this picture taken from Apollo 17's command module America shows Challenger's ascent stage in lunar orbit. Small reaction control thrusters are at the sides of the moonship with the bell of the ascent rocket engine underneath. The hatch that allowed access to the lunar surface is seen at the front, with a round radar antenna at the top. Mission commander Gene Cernan is clearly visible through the triangular window. This spaceship performed gracefully, landing on the Moon and returning the Apollo astronauts to the orbiting command module in December of 1972. So where is Challenger now? While its descent stage remains at the Apollo 17 landing site in the Taurus-Littrow valley, the ascent stage pictured was intentionally crashed nearby after being jettisoned from the command module prior to the astronauts' return to planet Earth.
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Pinging the APOD list
🪐 🌟 🌌 🍔
Remember the good old 1980’s
When things were so uncomplicated
I wish I could go back there again
And everything could be the same
I’ve got a ticket to the moon
I’ll be leaving here any day soon
Yeah, I’ve got a ticket to the moon
But I’d rather see the sunrise, in your eyes
Got a ticket to the moon
I’ll be rising high above the earth so soon
And the tears I cry might turn into the rain
That gently falls upon your window
You’ll never know
Ticket to the moon
Ticket to the moon
Ticket to the moon
Fly, fly through a troubled sky
Up to a new world shining bright, oh oh
Flying high above
Soaring madly through the mysteries that come
Wondering sadly if the ways that led me here
Could turn around and I would see you there
Standing there (I would see you there)
Ticket to the moon
Flight leaves here today from Satellite 2
As the minutes go by, what shall I do
I paid the fare, what more can I say?
It’s just one way
Ticket to the moon
Ticket to the moon
Ticket to the moon
Ticket to the moon
Ticket to the moon
Ticket to the moon
Ticket to the moon
Ticket to the moon
Ticket to the moon
Truly awesome and amazing.
I saw ELO in Denver in 2018 at the Pepsi Center. Seating was on the floor, center stage, around row 8. Best concert I have ever seen.
That makes me think of Gene Shoemaker who, after his death, finally achieved his dream of going there.
Reminds me of the movie ‘Explores’. From the Eighties.
I saw ELO in Denver in 2018 at the Pepsi Center.
—
Excellent. Norfolk Scope, 1974. They opened for Deep Purple, played all songs from El Dorado (still my favorite album). Hey Boy Blue, can’t you hear all the noise?
Neat-o.
Back in the late 60s, I made reservations with PanAm airlines for a trip on there Space Shuttle like the one shown in the movie 2001. They really were taking reservations for that. I guess it was publicity for PanAm, but I was serious. I was only 20 years old then and couldn’t afford a ticket on a biplane let alone a Space Shuttle, but I figured by the time they have their Space Shuttle ready, I’d have the cash. LOL.
who took the picture?...
The Apollo 17 Command Module, just before they docked.
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