Documentation and environment of the Apollo 17 samples

Abstract

This catalog shows the locations from which samples were collected during the Apollo 17 mission and provides a descriptive geologic context for each sample. It is a working document principally of use to LSPET, LSAPT, and the lunar sample principal investigators. The information in this report is incomplete, but it is based on the best available data as of January 19, 1973. Sources of information are: air-to-ground transcript, lunar surface television, lunar surface photographs, available LRL "mugshot" photographs of the samples, and frequent discussions with the astronaut crew. The information contained herein does not reflect the more detailed examination that is presently underway in the LRL. Documentation of some samples at the Apollo 17 site is incomplete. Identification of the rocks on the photographs is tentative in many cases pending examination of the samples under collimated light and accurate determination of lunar orientation. These data will be incorporated in a final report on sample documentation. There are inconsistencies in format (and even errors), but we believe that the early dissemination of these data is more important than the complete standardization of format which would require detailed editing and substantial delay. Nearly all of the sizes, distances, slopes, and percentages given are qualitative, visual estimates from photographs. The station maps (the fold-outs in back of the report) were compiled using a perspective grid overlay on the photographs, and thus are more accurate than most other dimensional data in this catalog. The station descriptions that follow this introduction apply to the general station area (see figure on next page); the environment descriptions under each sample apply to an area a few meters on a side around each sample, and may or may not reflect the surface characteristics of the entire station area. Some of the LRL numbers (supplied courtesy of Patrick Burler, Assistant Curator, Lunar Receiving Laboratory, NASA-MSC) are still tentative and subject to change as more sample containers are opened. The tentative numbers are indicated by an asterisk after the number. Photograph numbers throughout the text normally have the following prefix: NASA AS17- which is deleted for brevity in this report.