Encyclopedia > Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package
The Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package, or ALSEP, was a set of connected scientific instruments left on the Moon when the Apollo program ended. ALSEP was powered by Radioisotope thermoelectric generators, which were turned off due to budget cuts. On February 24, 1963 the MSC Lunar Surface Experiments Panel held its first meeting. This group was formed to analyze lunar surface experiments and the adaptability of Surveyor and other unmanned probes for use with manned missions. In december 1974 the last experiment stopped working. For other moons in the solar system see natural satellite. ... Description Role: Earth and Lunar Orbit Crew: 3; CDR, CM pilot, LM pilot Dimensions Height: 36. ... A radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) is a simple electrical generator which obtains its power from radioactive decay. ... February 24 is the 55th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... Events January-February January 11 - The Whisky A Go-Go night club in Los Angeles, the first disco in the USA, is opened. ... 1974 is a common year starting on Tuesday (click on link for calendar). ...
External links
Official Site (http://www.astronautix.com/craft/apoalsep.htm)
The lunarsurface magnetometer was deployed approximately 15 meters (48 feet) west-northwest of the Apollolunarsurfaceexperimentpackage central station.
The suprathermal ion detector experiment was deployed and aligned approximately 17 meters (55 feet) east-northeast of the Apollolunarsurfaceexperimentpackage central station.
The purpose of the operations was to observe the effects of the lunar module depressurizations for the second and third extravehicular activities and equipment jettison, the effects of the lunar module ascent from the lunarsurface, and lunar module ascent stage impact.
The Apollo 12 lunarsurface crew made two extravehicular excursions, remaining on the moon for 31 hours, seven and three-quarters of which were spent exploring and working on the lunarsurface.
The Lunar Module was to have landed on one of the roughest areas of the moon yet to be explored.
The Apollo 15 mission was the fourth successful manned lunar landing mission, and the first in a series of three lunar missions designed to maximally utilize mans capability for scientific exploration of the lunarsurface.