Taurus–Littrow Valley

What Happened Here?

Landing site of Apollo 17, December 11, 1972. Final crewed lunar landing. Taurus–Littrow valley chosen for both ancient highland rocks and young volcanic soil. Orange soil discovered here.

Region Overview

Rugged mountainous region east of Mare Serenitatis. Apollo 17 landed in the Taurus-Littrow valley.

Missions Associated with this Site

• Apollo 17 (1972) · NASA LANDED
  Confirmed landing. Longest crewed lunar mission & most samples returned

Historical Timeline

• 1972-12-07T05:33Z — Night launch from Kennedy Space Center (Apollo 17)
• 1972-12-11 — Challenger lands at Taurus–Littrow (Apollo 17)
• 1972-12-11 — First EVA — ALSEP deployment (Apollo 17)
• 1972-12-12 — Second EVA — South Massif and orange soil discovery (Apollo 17)
• 1972-12-13 — Third EVA — North Massif (Apollo 17)
• 1972-12-14T22:54Z — Cernan is last human to walk on Moon (Apollo 17)
• 1972-12-19 — Crew splashdown, Pacific Ocean (Apollo 17)

Site Imagery & Gallery

Scientific References & Sources

• https://www.nasa.gov/mission/apollo-17/
• https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1972-096C

Explore Taurus–Littrow Valley in 3D

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