Extreme Exploration

This book describes a relatively unsung triumph of the Apollo program. The extreme limitation of resources available for exploring the lunar surface required the creation of an altogether new approach to science and exploration— the “Apollo Approach,” also known as the “Extreme Science Approach.”

This book analyses the record of Apollo and essential pre-Apollo precursor (Ranger, Surveyor, Lunar Orbiter) programs, including firsthand interviews with the people involved; recently archived training, simulation, planning documentation; and the Apollo Lunar Surface Log, to show how the missions to the Moon created a novel baseline for field exploration. As we approach the new series of Artemis missions, the book looks forward, applying what Apollo taught us to the scientific exploration that will be conducted in the future.

With each breakthrough, Apollo created the foundations not only for lunar missions, but for any space exploration activity that followed. This book will show you how it did so, and what’s next.