Where Are the Original Apollo Lunar Module Stage 50 Years Later?

The Apollo program, a monumental achievement in space exploration, marked the first and only time humans have set foot on the Moon. With six successful lunar landing missions, the Apollo Lunar Modules (LM) played a crucial role in these historic milestones. Now, as we reflect on these missions and the unforgettable scenes of lunar exploration, one question lingers: where are the original Apollo Lunar Modules now? This article delves into the current status of these iconic spacecraft and how we can observe them, if at all.

The Descent Stage: Still on the Moon

The descent stages of the Apollo Lunar Module, designed to stay on the Moon after delivering astronauts to the lunar surface, can still be found in their original locations. These stages are often visible in various mission photos, as well as images taken by lunar orbiters. For instance, the descent stage of the iconic Apollo 11 mission is still situated in the Sea of Tranquility. This can be observed in high-resolution photos captured by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), operated by NASA and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency).

The Ascent Stage: An Uncertain Fate

The fate of the ascent stages is less certain. Following the return to the Lunar Module after moonwalks, these stages were left behind, either in lunar orbit or on the Moon's surface, depending on the mission's outcome. The ascent stage from Apollo 11 has been inferred to be in lunar orbit, having separated from the command module before the crew's return to Earth. It is believed to be a heap of wreckage, as its orbit was found to be unstable. However, without direct evidence, its precise location remains a subject of speculation.

The Descent and Ascent Stages of Other Missions

Other missions, such as Apollo 12, 14, 15, 16, and 17, also left behind their descent and ascent stages. These stages can now be seen in high-resolution images taken by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Telescopes on Earth are not powerful enough to discern these small objects, even with advanced technology. The only way to get a clear view of these stages is to look at the images taken from lunar orbit.

The Command Module: On Public Display

Unlike the descent and ascent stages, the command modules of all Apollo missions were designed to orbit the Moon and were eventually brought back to Earth. The most famous example is the command module from Apollo 11, which is now on public display at the Ronald Regan National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. This module, known as "The Command Module Columbia," remains the only piece of Apollo hardware that can be seen from Earth with the naked eye or through a telescope, but it never actually landed on the lunar surface.

Conclusion

The original Apollo Lunar Module stages remain a testament to humanity's bold aspirations and the technological prowess of the 1960s and 1970s. While the descent and ascent stages are still on the Moon or in orbit, their exact locations are often only visible through satellite imagery. The command modules, on the other hand, stand as physical reminders of the historic missions, serving as testaments to the ingenuity and bravery of those who embarked on this remarkable journey.