Descartes Highlands

What Happened Here?

Landing site of Apollo 16, April 21, 1972. First landing in the lunar highlands; 95.8 kg of ancient highland samples returned.

Region Overview

Highland region south of Mare Tranquillitatis. Landing site of Apollo 16.

Missions Associated with this Site

• Apollo 16 (1972) · NASA LANDED
  Confirmed landing. First highlands landing and exploration

Historical Timeline

• 1972-04-16 — Launch from Kennedy Space Center (Apollo 16)
• 1972-04-21 — Orion lands at Descartes Highlands (Apollo 16)
• 1972-04-21 — First EVA — ALSEP deployment and sampling (Apollo 16)
• 1972-04-22 — Second EVA — Stone Mountain traverse (Apollo 16)
• 1972-04-23 — Third EVA — North Ray Crater traverse (Apollo 16)
• 1972-04-27 — Crew splashdown, Pacific Ocean (Apollo 16)

Site Imagery & Gallery

Scientific References & Sources

• https://www.nasa.gov/mission/apollo-16/
• https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1972-031C

Explore Descartes Highlands in 3D

Interactive 3D Moon atlas with terrain model, spacecraft markers, and historical site stories.