On this day in space! July 31, 1971: Apollo 15 astronauts drive on the moon for 1st time

On July 31, 1971, a pivotal moment occurred during the Apollo 15 mission as astronaut David Scott utilized the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) to traverse approximately 420 feet across the lunar surface. This marked the inaugural instance of human-powered movement on another celestial body, significantly expanding the operational range available to the crew. The LRV, developed specifically for this mission, provided increased mobility allowing scientists to collect samples from diverse geological formations. Mission Commander Scott and fellow astronaut James Irwin spent over six hours exploring Hadley Rille, a prominent channel feature within the Descartes Highlands region. The successful drive demonstrated the feasibility of extended exploration activities beyond immediate walking distances, fundamentally altering future lunar missions’ capabilities.