Apollo 17 Timeline
Event |
GET (hhh:mm:ss) |
GMT Time |
GMT Date |
Terminal countdown started. |
-028: |
|
|
Scheduled 9-hour hold at T-9 hours. |
-009: |
|
|
Countdown resumed at T-9 hours. |
-009: |
|
|
Scheduled 1-hour hold at T-3 hours 30 minutes. |
-003:30:00 |
|
|
Countdown resumed at T-3 hours 30 minutes. |
-003:30:00 |
|
|
Terminal Countdown Sequencer (TCS) failed to issue the S-IVB LOX pressurization command. |
-000: |
|
|
Unscheduled but automatic 1-hour 5-minute 11-second hold at T-30 seconds due to TCS failure. |
-000: |
|
|
Countdown recycled to T-22 minutes. |
-000: |
|
|
Unscheduled 1-hour 13-minute 19-second hold at T-8 minutes to resolve TCS corrective action. |
-000: |
|
|
Countdown resumed at T-8 minutes. |
-000: |
|
|
Guidance reference release. |
-000:00:16.960 |
|
|
S-IC engine start command. |
-000:00:08.9 |
|
|
S-IC engine ignition (#5). |
-000:00:06.9 |
|
|
All S-IC engines thrust OK. |
-000:00:01.6 |
|
|
Range zero. |
000:00:00.00 |
|
|
All holddown arms released (1st motion) (1.08 g). |
000:00:00.24 |
|
|
Liftoff (umbilical disconnected). |
000:00:00.63 |
|
|
Tower clearance yaw maneuver started. |
000:00:01.7 |
|
|
Yaw maneuver ended. |
000:00:09.7 |
|
|
Pitch and roll maneuver started. |
000:00:12.9 |
|
|
Roll maneuver ended. |
000:00:14.3 |
|
|
Mach 1 achieved. |
000:01:07.5 |
|
|
Maximum bending moment (96,000,000 lbf-in). |
000: |
|
|
Maximum dynamic pressure (701.75 lb/ft2). |
000:01:22.5 |
|
|
S-IC center engine cutoff command. |
000:02:19.30 |
|
|
Pitch maneuver ended. |
000:02:40.1 |
|
|
S-IC outboard engine cutoff. Maximum total inertial acceleration (3.87 g). |
000:02:41.20 |
|
|
S-IC maximum Earth-fixed velocity. |
000:02:42.0 |
|
|
S-IC/S-II separation command. |
000:02:42.9 |
|
|
S-II engine start command. |
000:02:43.6 |
|
|
S-II ignition. |
000:02:44.6 |
|
|
S-II aft interstage jettisoned. |
000:03:12.9 |
|
|
Launch escape tower jettisoned (planned time, actual time not recorded). |
000: |
|
|
Iterative guidance mode initiated. |
000:03:24.1 |
|
|
S-IC apex. |
000:04:33.689 |
|
|
S-II center engine cutoff. Maximum total inertial acceleration (1.74 g). |
000:07:41.21 |
|
|
S-IC impact (theoretical). |
000:09:11.708 |
|
|
S-II outboard engine cutoff. |
000:09:19.66 |
|
|
S-II/S-IVB separation command. S-II maximum Earth-fixed velocity. |
000:09:20.6 |
|
|
S-IVB 1st burn start command. |
000:09:20.70 |
|
|
S-IVB 1st burn ignition. |
000:09:23.80 |
|
|
S-IVB ullage case jettisoned. |
000:09:32.4 |
|
|
S-II apex. |
000:09:34.527 |
|
|
S-IVB 1st burn cutoff and maximum total inertial acceleration (0.67 g). |
000:11:42.65 |
|
|
Earth orbit insertion. |
000:11:52.65 |
|
|
S-IVB 1st burn maximum Earth-fixed velocity. |
000:11:52.7 |
|
|
Maneuver to local horizontal attitude started. |
000:12:04.4 |
|
|
S-II impact (theoretical). |
000:19:56.947 |
|
|
S-IVB 2nd burn restart preparation. |
003:02:58.60 |
|
|
S-IVB 2nd burn restart command. |
003:12:28.60 |
|
|
S-IVB 2nd burn ignition. |
003:12:36.60 |
|
|
S-IVB 2nd burn cutoff and maximum total inertial acceleration (1.41 g). |
003:18:27.64 |
|
|
S-IVB safing procedure – CVS opened. |
003:18:28.3 |
|
|
S-IVB 2nd burn maximum Earth-fixed velocity. |
003:18:28.5 |
|
|
Translunar injection. |
003:18:37.64 |
|
|
Maneuver to local horizontal attitude and orbital navigation started. |
003:20:59.6 |
|
|
Maneuver to transposition and docking attitude started. |
003:33:28.9 |
|
|
CSM separated from S-IVB. |
003:42:27.6 |
|
|
TV transmission started. |
003:50 |
|
|
CSM docked with LM/S-IVB. |
003:57:10.7 |
|
|
TV transmission ended. |
004:10 |
|
|
CSM/LM ejected from S-IVB. |
004:45:02.3 |
|
|
S-IVB APS evasive maneuver ignition. |
005:03:01.1 |
|
|
S-IVB APS evasive maneuver cutoff (estimated). |
005:04:21.0 |
|
|
S-IVB lunar impact maneuver - CVS opened. |
005:19:39.8 |
|
|
S-IVB lunar impact maneuver - LOX dump started. |
005:24:20.2 |
|
|
S-IVB lunar impact maneuver - CVS closed. |
005:24:40.0 |
|
|
S-IVB lunar impact maneuver - LOX dump ended. |
005:25:07.9 |
|
|
Maneuver to attitude for 1st S-IVB APS lunar impact burn. |
006: |
|
|
S-IVB lunar impact maneuver - 1st APS ignition command. |
006:09:59.8 |
|
|
S-IVB lunar impact maneuver - 1st APS cutoff command. |
006:11:38.0 |
|
|
Maneuver to S-IVB solar heating attitude. |
006: |
|
|
Maneuver to attitude for 2nd S-IVB APS lunar impact burn. |
011: |
|
|
S-IVB lunar impact maneuver - 2nd APS ignition command. |
011:14:59.8 |
|
|
S-IVB lunar impact maneuver - 2nd APS cutoff command. |
011:16:42.0 |
|
|
S-IVB 3-axis tumble mode initiated. |
011:31:42 |
|
|
S-IVB passive thermal control maneuver. |
011:31:50 |
|
|
Command to inhibit instrument unit flight control computer to leave the S-IVB in 3-axis tumble mode. |
011:32:12.5 |
|
|
Midcourse correction ignition (SPS). |
035:29:59.91 |
|
|
Midcourse correction cutoff. |
035:30:01.64 |
|
|
Maneuver to LM checkout attitude. |
039:05 |
|
|
Preparations for intravehicular transfer. |
039:20 |
|
|
LM pressurization started. |
039:30 |
|
|
CDR and LMP entered LM for housekeeping and communications check. |
040:10 |
|
|
LM closeout. |
042:11 |
|
|
Heat flow and convection demonstration started. |
042:55 |
|
|
Heat flow and convection demonstration ended. |
043:45 |
|
|
Heat flow and convection demonstration started. |
045:20 |
|
|
Heat flow and convection demonstration ended. |
046:00 |
|
|
LM pressurization started. |
059:30 |
|
|
CDR and LMP entered LM for telemetry checkout. |
059:59 |
|
|
CDR and LMP entered CM. |
062:16 |
|
|
|
065:00 |
|
|
Apollo light flash phenomenon experiment started. |
065:39 |
|
|
Apollo light flash phenomenon experiment ended. |
066:39 |
|
|
Equigravisphere. |
070:37:45 |
|
|
Scientific instrument module door jettisoned. |
081:32:40 |
|
|
Inflight science phase of mission initiated with turn-on of Far Ultraviolet Spectrometer. |
083:26 |
|
|
Ultraviolet photography of dark Moon. |
084:50 |
|
|
Lunar orbit insertion ignition (SPS). |
086:14:22.60 |
|
|
Lunar orbit insertion cutoff. |
086:20:55.76 |
|
|
S-IVB impact on lunar surface. |
086:59:42.3 |
|
|
Terminator photography. |
087:05 |
|
|
Orbital science visual observations. |
087:15 |
|
|
Orbital science photography. |
088:00 |
|
|
1st descent orbit insertion ignition (SPS). |
090:31:37.43 |
|
|
1st descent orbit insertion cutoff. |
090:31:59.70 |
|
|
Landmark observations. |
090:50 |
|
|
CDR and LMP entered LM. |
105:02 |
|
|
CSM/LM separation maneuver initiated (RCS). |
107:47:56 |
|
|
CSM/LM separation maneuver cutoff. |
107:47:59.4 |
|
|
CSM orbit circularization ignition (SPS). |
109:17:28.92 |
|
|
CSM orbit circularization cutoff. |
109:17:32.72 |
|
|
2nd descent orbit insertion ignition (LM RCS). |
109:22:42 |
|
|
2nd descent orbit insertion cutoff. |
109:23:03.5 |
|
|
CSM landmark tracking started. |
109:40 |
|
|
LM powered descent engine ignition (DPS). |
110:09:53 |
|
|
LM throttle to full-throttle position. |
110:10:21 |
|
|
LM manual target (landing site) update. |
110:11:25 |
|
|
LM landing radar velocity data good. |
110:13:28 |
|
|
LM landing radar range data good. |
110:14:06 |
|
|
LM landing radar updates enabled. |
110:14:32 |
|
|
LM throttle down. |
110:17:19 |
|
|
LM approach phase program selected. |
110:19:15 |
|
|
LM landing radar antenna to position 2. |
110:19:16 |
|
|
LM 1st landing point redesignation. |
110:19:26 |
|
|
LM landing radar switched to low scale. |
110:19:54 |
|
|
LM landing phase program selected. |
110:20:51 |
|
|
LM lunar landing and powered descent engine cutoff. |
110:21:58 |
|
|
CSM landmark tracking ended. |
111:20 |
|
|
1st EVA started (LM cabin depressurized). |
114:21:49 |
|
|
CSM orbital science visual observations. |
114:45 |
|
|
Lunar roving vehicle (LRV) offloaded. |
114:51:10 |
|
|
LRV deployed, test drive performed and documented with photography, gathered samples and performed 500 mm and panoramic photography. |
115:13:50 |
|
|
CSM orbital science photography. |
115:15 |
|
|
|
115:40:58 |
|
|
Traverse gravimeter experiment reading obtained. |
115:50:51 |
|
|
Cosmic ray experiment deployed. |
115:54:40 |
|
|
Apollo lunar surface experiment (ALSEP) package offloaded. |
115:58:30 |
|
|
Traverse gravimeter experiment reading obtained. |
116:06:01 |
|
|
Traverse gravimeter experiment reading obtained. |
116:11:54 |
|
|
Traverse gravimeter experiment reading obtained. |
116:46:17 |
|
|
CSM orbital science photography. |
117:10 |
|
|
1st ALSEP data received on Earth. |
117: |
|
|
Heat flow experiment turned on. |
117:29 |
|
|
ALSEP deployment completed and documented with photographs and panoramic photography. |
118:07:43 |
|
|
CSM terminator photography. |
118:10 |
|
|
Lunar seismic profiling experiment (S-203) turned on. CSM Earthshine photography started. |
118:25 |
|
|
Deep core sample obtained and lunar neutron probe experiment deployed. |
118:35:27 |
|
|
Traverse gravimeter experiment reading obtained. |
118:43:08 |
|
|
CSM Earthshine photography ended. |
118:50 |
|
|
Departed for station 1. |
119:11:02 |
|
|
Arrived at station 1 and deployed seismic profiling experiment explosive charge 6, obtained traverse gravimeter experiment reading and documented rake samples and performed panoramic photography. |
119:24:02 |
|
|
Lunar surface gravimeter experiment (S-207) activated. |
119:50 |
|
|
Departed for surface electrical properties experiment site with a stop to deploy seismic profiling experiment explosive charge 7, and performed panoramic photography. |
119:56:47 |
|
|
Arrived at surface electrical properties experiment site. Deployed antennas and the transmitter, gathered samples and performed documentary and panoramic photograph traverse gravimeter experiment reading obtained. |
120:11:02 |
|
|
Departed for LM. |
120:33:39 |
|
|
Arrived at LM and started EVA activity closeout. |
120:36:15 |
|
|
Traverse gravimeter experiment reading obtained. |
121:16:37 |
|
|
Traverse gravimeter experiment reading obtained. |
121:21:11 |
|
|
1st EVA ended (LM cabin repressurized). |
121:33:42 |
|
|
CSM zodiacal light photography. |
130:35 |
|
|
CSM orbital science photography. |
134:00 |
|
|
CSM solar corona photography. |
134:50 |
|
|
CSM orbital science visual observations. |
137:00 |
|
|
2nd EVA started (LM cabin depressurized). |
137:55:06 |
|
|
Traverse gravimeter experiment reading obtained. |
138:04:08 |
|
|
TV transmission started for 2nd EVA. |
138:05 |
|
|
LRV loaded for traverse and a traverse gravimeter experiment reading obtained. |
138:39:00 |
|
|
Departed for surface electrical properties experiment site. |
138:44:02 |
|
|
Arrived at surface electrical properties experiment site. Activated experiment, gathered samples, and performed panoramic photography. |
138:47:05 |
|
|
Departed for station 2 with four short stops - one to deploy seismic profiling experiment explosive charge 4, and three to gather en route samples. |
138:51:43 |
|
|
CSM orbital science photography and visual observations. |
139:45 |
|
|
Arrived at station 2. Traverse gravimeter experiment reading obtained, gathered samples including a rake sample, and performed documentary and panoramic photography. |
140:01:30 |
|
|
Departed for station 3 with one stop to obtain a traverse gravimeter experiment reading, gather samples and perform panoramic and 500 mm photography. |
141:07:25 |
|
|
Arrived at station 3. Traverse gravimeter experiment reading obtained, gathered samples including a double core-tube sample and a rake sample, and performed panoramic and 500 mm photography. |
141:48:38 |
|
|
CSM terminator photography. |
142:05 |
|
|
Departed for station 4 with two short stops to gather en route samples. |
142:25:56 |
|
|
Arrived at station 4. Traverse gravimeter experiment reading obtained, gathered samples including a trench sample and a double core-tube sample, and performed documentary and panoramic photography. |
142:42:57 |
|
|
Departed for station 5 with one stop to deploy seismic profiling experiment explosive charge, gather samples, and perform panoramic photography. |
143:19:03 |
|
|
Arrived at station 5. Traverse gravimeter experiment reading obtained, gathered samples, and performed documentary and panoramic photography. |
143:45:15 |
|
|
Departed for the LM with a short stop to deploy seismic profiling experiment explosive charge 8 documented with photographs, and a stop at the ALSEP site to allow the LMP to relevel the lunar surface gravimeter experiment. |
144:15:58 |
|
|
Arrived at the LM and started EVA closeout. |
144:32:24 |
|
|
TV transmission ended for 2nd EVA. |
144:55 |
|
|
Traverse gravimeter experiment reading obtained. |
145:19:24 |
|
|
2nd EVA ended (LM cabin repressurized). |
145:32:02 |
|
|
CSM orbital science photography. |
154:40 |
|
|
CSM terminator photography. |
156:50 |
|
|
3rd EVA started (LM cabin depressurized). |
160:52:48 |
|
|
Zodiacal light photography. |
160:55 |
|
|
Traverse gravimeter experiment reading obtained. |
161:02:40 |
|
|
TV transmission started for 3rd EVA. |
161:15 |
|
|
LRV loaded for traverse, and panoramic and 500 mm photography performed. |
161:16:15 |
|
|
Traverse gravimeter experiment reading obtained. |
161:19:45 |
|
|
Cosmic ray experiment retrieved. |
161:20:17 |
|
|
Departed for surface electrical properties experiment site. |
161:36:31 |
|
|
Arrived at surface electrical properties experiment site. Activated the experiment, gathered samples, and performed documentary photography. |
161:39:07 |
|
|
Departed for station 6 with two short stops to gather en route samples. |
161:42:36 |
|
|
CSM orbital science photography. |
161:50 |
|
|
Arrived at station 6. Traverse gravimeter experiment reading obtained, gathered samples including a single core-tube sample, a rake sample, and performed documentary, panoramic, and 500 mm photography. |
162:11:24 |
|
|
Departed for station 7. |
163:22:10 |
|
|
Arrived at station 7. Gathered samples and performed documentary and panoramic photography. |
163:29:05 |
|
|
CSM orbital science visual observations. |
163:30 |
|
|
Departed for station 8 with one short stop to gather en route samples. |
163:51:09 |
|
|
Arrived at station 8. Two traverse gravimeter experiment readings obtained, gathered samples including rake and trench samples, and performed documentary and panoramic photography. |
164:07:40 |
|
|
Departed for station 9. |
164:55:33 |
|
|
Arrived at station 9. Seismic profiling experiment explosive charge 5 deployed, two traverse gravimeter readings obtained, gathered samples including a trench sample and a double core-tube sample, and performed documentary, panoramic and 500 mm photography. Removed data storage electronics assembly from surface electrical properties receiver. |
165:13:10 |
|
|
Departed for the LM with two short stops - one to gather en route samples and the other to deploy seismic profiling experiment explosive charge 2 and perform documentary and panoramic photography. |
166:09:25 |
|
|
Arrived at LM and started EVA closeout. |
166:37:51 |
|
|
Traverse gravimeter experiment reading obtained. |
166:55:09 |
|
|
Final traverse gravimeter experiment reading obtained. |
167:11:11 |
|
|
ALSEP photography completed. |
167:33:58 |
|
|
Lunar neutron probe experiment retrieved.. |
167:36:43 |
|
|
LRV positioned to monitor LM ascent. |
167:39:57 |
|
|
Seismic profiling experiment explosive charge 3 deployed. |
167:44:41 |
|
|
Equipment jettisoned. |
167:45 |
|
|
3rd EVA ended (LM cabin repressurized). |
168:07:56 |
|
|
Orbital trim maneuver ignition (RCS). |
178:54:05.45 |
|
|
Orbital trim maneuver cutoff. |
178:54:42.95 |
|
|
CSM plane change ignition (RCS). |
179:53:53.83 |
|
|
CSM plane change cutoff. |
179:54:13.88 |
|
|
1st equipment jettison from LM. |
180:15 |
|
|
CSM zodiacal light photography. |
182:20 |
|
|
CSM landmark tracking. |
182:40 |
|
|
CSM landmark tracking. |
183:00 |
|
|
2nd equipment jettison from LM. |
183:24 |
|
|
LM lunar liftoff ignition (LM APS). |
185:21:37 |
|
|
LM ascent orbit cutoff. |
185:28:58 |
|
|
Vernier adjustment maneuver initiated (LM RCS). |
185:32:12 |
|
|
Vernier adjustment maneuver cutoff. |
185:32:22 |
|
|
Terminal phase initiation ignition (LM APS). |
186:15:58 |
|
|
Terminal phase initiation cutoff. |
186:16:01.2 |
|
|
LM midcourse corrections. |
186:30 |
|
|
CSM/LM docked. |
187:37:15 |
|
|
Transfer, stowing of equipment and samples started. |
188:00 |
|
|
Transfer, stowing of equipment and samples ended. |
190:05 |
|
|
CDR and LMP entered CM. |
190:10 |
|
|
LM closeout. |
190:30 |
|
|
LM ascent stage jettisoned. |
191:18:31 |
|
|
Separation maneuver initiated. |
191:23:31 |
|
|
Separation maneuver cutoff. |
191:23:43 |
|
|
LM ascent stage deorbit ignition. |
192:58:14 |
|
|
LM ascent stage deorbit cutoff. |
193:00:10 |
|
|
LM ascent stage impact on lunar surface. |
193:17:20.8 |
|
|
Terminator photography. |
206:20 |
|
|
Orbital science visual observations. |
206:40 |
|
|
Orbital science visual observations. |
207:10 |
|
|
Explosive package #6 detonated on lunar surface. |
210:15:14.56 |
|
|
Explosive package #7 detonated on lunar surface. |
212:44:57.11 |
|
|
Orbital science photography. |
213:10 |
|
|
Terminator photography. |
215:20 |
|
|
Explosive package #4
detonated on lunar surface. |
229:35:34.67 |
|
|
Terminator photography. |
231:20 |
|
|
Transearth injection ignition (SPS). |
234:02:09.18 |
|
|
Transearth injection cutoff. |
234:04:32.87 |
|
|
TV transmission started. |
234:10 |
|
|
TV transmission ended. |
234:35 |
|
|
Ultraviolet spectrometer of Lyman Alpha region started. |
235:00 |
|
|
Explosive package #1 detonated on lunar surface. |
235:09:36.79 |
|
|
Ultraviolet spectrometer of Lyman Alpha region ended. |
236:00 |
|
|
Ultraviolet spectrometer of Earth. |
236:05 |
|
|
Ultraviolet spectrometer of Moon. |
237:15 |
|
|
Ultraviolet spectrometer of Moon off. |
238:00 |
|
|
Explosive package #8 detonated on lunar surface. |
238:12:46.08 |
|
|
Ultraviolet spectrometer on for passive thermal control galactic scan. |
239:40 |
|
|
Transearth EVA started (Evans). |
254:54:40 |
|
|
Installation of television camera and data acquisition camera started. |
255:00 |
|
|
Panoramic film cassette retrieved. |
255:23 |
|
|
Mapping camera film cassette retrieved. |
255:36 |
|
|
CM hatch closed. |
255:40 |
|
|
TV transmission ended for transearth EVA. |
255:42 |
|
|
Transearth EVA ended. |
256:00:24 |
|
|
Ultraviolet coma cluster observation. |
257:00 |
|
|
Explosive package #5 detonated on lunar surface. |
257:43:41.06 |
|
|
Explosive package #2 detonated on lunar surface. |
259:11:56.82 |
|
|
Ultraviolet Alpha ERI measurements. |
260:30 |
|
|
Ultraviolet passive thermal control measurements for Alpha ERI and Alpha GRU. |
261:20 |
|
|
Explosive package #3 detonated
on lunar surface. |
261:44:22.28 |
|
|
Ultraviolet passive thermal control for galactic scan. |
262:30 |
|
|
Ultraviolet dark north observation. |
274:30 |
|
|
Apollo light flash observation and investigation. |
277:10 |
|
|
Ultraviolet spectrometer of Virgo cluster. |
279:10 |
|
|
Ultraviolet spectrometer viewing dark south. |
280:50 |
|
|
TV transmission for inflight press conference started. |
281:20 |
|
|
TV transmission ended. |
281:47 |
|
|
Ultraviolet spectrometer of Spica. |
283:45 |
|
|
Ultraviolet passive thermal control for galactic scan. |
285:30 |
|
|
Midcourse correction ignition (RCS). |
298:38:01 |
|
|
Midcourse correction cutoff. |
298:38:10 |
|
|
Inflight science phase of mission ended with turn-off of Far Ultraviolet Spectrometer. |
299:20 |
|
|
CM/SM separation. |
301:23:49 |
|
|
Entry. |
301:38:38 |
|
|
Communication blackout started. |
301:38:55 |
|
|
Radar contact with CM established by recovery ship. |
301:41 |
|
|
Communication blackout ended. |
301:42:15 |
|
|
Forward heat shield jettisoned. |
301:46:20 |
|
|
Drogue parachute deployed |
301:46:22 |
|
|
Visual contact with CM established by recovery ship and photo helicopter. |
301:47 |
|
|
Main parachute deployed. |
301:47:13 |
|
|
VHF recovery beacon contact with CM established by recovery ship. |
301:48 |
|
|
Voice contact with CM established by recovery ship. |
301:49 |
|
|
Splashdown (went to apex-up). |
301:51:59 |
|
|
Swimmers deployed to CM. |
302:02 |
|
|
Flotation collar inflated. |
302:08 |
|
|
Hatch opened for crew egress. |
302:21 |
|
|
Crew aboard recovery helicopter. |
302:33 |
|
|
Crew aboard recovery ship. |
302:44 |
|
|
CM aboard recovery ship. |
303:55 |
|
|
1st sample flight departed recovery ship. |
323:52 |
|
|
1st sample flight
arrived in |
330:27 |
|
|
Crew departed recovery ship. |
331:05 |
|
|
1st sample flight
departed |
333:37 |
|
|
1st sample flight
arrived in |
340:43 |
|
|
Crew arrived at Ellington
AFB, |
346:17 |
|
|
CM arrived at North Island
Naval Air Station, |
493:57 |
|
|
CM deactivated. |
568:27 |
|
|
CM departed North Island Naval
Air Station for contractor’s facility in |
637:27 |
|
|
CM arrived at contractor's facility. |
640:27 |
|
|
ALSEP central station turned off by ground command. |
|
|
|