During Apollo 17, a torn lunar rover fender threatened the mission until astronauts fixed it with tape and plastic cards, showcasing remarkable ingenuity.
Lunar rover fender damaged during Apollo 17
During the Apollo 17 mission in December 1972, a hammer on Gene Cernan's suit tore off the right rear fender of the lunar rover at the Taurus-Littrow site during the first moonwalk.Failed attempt to repair the fender
Cernan tried to fix the fender with gray adhesive tape, but the repair failed after 122 hours and 47 minutes of mission time as the crew returned to the lunar module. Without the fender, lunar dust sprayed onto the rover and astronauts, risking damage to suits and equipment.Ground team devises improvised repair
John Young, the mission's reserve commander in Houston, led the development of an improvised fender using plastic cards, adhesive tape, and telescope pliers. The repair instructions were sent to the crew before the second moonwalk on December 12, 1972.Successful use of the makeshift fender
The crew assembled four plastic cards, secured them with gray tape, and attached them to the rover using telescope collars as pliers. The improvised fender stayed in place for 35.9 kilometers of driving during all three Apollo 17 moonwalks, with a total of 22 hours and 4 minutes spent outside the lunar module.Preserved as a historical artifact
The repair is now on display at the National Air and Space Museum under the inventory number A19760010000, classified as "Maps, Fender Extension, Lunar Roving Vehicle, Apollo 17," with Eugene Cernan listed as the official manufacturer.Photo captures the improvised repair
The photo referenced AS17-137-20979 shows the makeshift fender just before the crew left station 2. This event highlights the creativity and problem-solving skills of the Apollo program in overcoming challenges during lunar exploration.
