In 1969, sending lunar astronauts to Idaho’s Craters of the Moon National Monument seemed like a no brainer. Its barren rock and surreal landscape were good practice for pilots headed to the moon. But it turns out NASA had a bigger goal in mind when it sent astronauts to Idaho. Idaho Matters explores a new documentary about the Gem State’s connection to the moon landings. We also take a listen to some of the moon landings — find out more here.
1969: Astronauts Land On Idaho’s Craters Of The Moon
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Astronauts Gene Cernan, left, and Joe Engle in Idaho in 1969.
Craters of the Moon National Monument
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Astronauts Gene Cernan, left, and Joe Engle in Idaho in 1969.
Craters of the Moon National Monument
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Astronauts and geologists exploring Idaho Wapi lava formations in 1969: Joe Engle, Alan Shepard, NASA geologist Ted Foss, Gene Cernan and Edgar Mitchell.
Craters of the Moon National Monument
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Astronauts and geologists exploring Idaho Wapi lava formations in 1969: Joe Engle, Alan Shepard, NASA geologist Ted Foss, Gene Cernan and Edgar Mitchell.
Craters of the Moon National Monument
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Cernan's moon buggy repair; maps were taped and clamped to replace the right rear fender.
NASA
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Cernan's moon buggy repair; maps were taped and clamped to replace the right rear fender.
NASA
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Gene Cernan, on the Apollo 17 mission in 1972, was the last Apollo astronaut to walk on the moon.
NASA
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Gene Cernan, on the Apollo 17 mission in 1972, was the last Apollo astronaut to walk on the moon.
NASA
