Astronauts' Cameras Left on the Moon: Legacy of Apollo Missions

During the Apollo missions to the Moon, astronauts left behind cameras that captured some of the most iconic images in history. These cameras played a crucial role in documenting the exploration and activities of the astronauts, even in the face of significant challenges like weight constraints.

Why Did Astronauts Leave Cameras on the Moon?

The decision to leave cameras on the Moon was not just to record the history of the mission, but also to optimize the weight of the hardware that needed to be brought back to Earth. Space missions are incredibly resource-intensive, and every kilogram counts. Returning lunar samples was prioritized over cameras, given their relative worthless value compared to the geological treasures of the Moon.

Types of Cameras Left Behind

Film Cameras

For early missions, notably Apollo 11, the astronauts used 35mm Hasselblad cameras. These cameras were specifically modified to function in the harsh lunar environment. One notable example is the Hasselblad 500EL, used for the historic photos captured on Apollo 11. Another camera, the Mitchell movie camera, was also part of the equipment. After the mission, the film was unloaded, as the batteries were flat and the film in the magazines likely ruined.

Video Cameras

Starting from Apollo 15, video cameras were mounted on the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) and remotely controlled from Earth. These cameras provided invaluable footage of the LM ascent stage takeoff and the astronauts' movements on the lunar surface. By controlling the panning and tilting of the camera, mission controllers in Houston could capture footage with a high-gain antenna pointing towards Earth.

Specific Cameras Left on the Moon

During the Apollo missions, the following cameras were left on the Moon:

Apollo 11 Camera

The Apollo 11 mission left one black-and-white TV camera on the lunar surface. Initially mounted on the Lunar Module LM, it transmitted the historic first steps of astronaut Neil Armstrong. After being relocated, the camera captured live footage of the astronauts and their activities.

Apollo 12 and Subsequent Missions

The Apollo 12, 14, 15, 16, and 17 missions all left TV cameras on the lunar surface. The Apollo 15 mission included a color TV camera on the LRV, while later missions had remote-controlled, color video cameras. Each mission left behind specific pieces of equipment:

Apollo 12: Left a color TV camera on the lunar surface. Apollo 14: Left a TV camera on the lunar surface. Apollo 15: Included a color TV camera on the LRV, with remote-controlled functionality. Apollo 16: Left a color TV camera on the lunar surface.

These cameras, particularly the Hasselblads and the LDCs (Lunar Data Cameras), played a significant role in documenting the exploration of the Moon. Despite the challenges and the passage of time, these cameras remain a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the astronauts and NASA.

Finding and Using the Cameras

For photography enthusiasts, the idea of using a camera left on the Moon is both fascinating and challenging. The batteries are flat, the film in the magazines is likely ruined, but these cameras were built to withstand the harshest conditions. If a meteorite hadn't hit one, these cameras could potentially be refurbished, and some photography enthusiasts even have 70mm film stock in freezers waiting to be used.

Ultimately, the cameras left on the Moon represent a unique and rare opportunity to study and document the history of human space exploration. They serve as a poignant reminder of the incredible achievements of the Apollo missions.