August 2, 2022
On this date in 1971, Apollo 15 departed the lunar surface. At 1:11 pm EDT, the ascent stage of the lunar module achieved liftoff and was the first to be televised via the camera attached to the rover. Following the docking of the lunar module and the command module, the ascent stage was jettisoned. The impact of the ascent stage on the lunar surface was recorded by the seismometers left on the Moon by Apollo 12, 14, and 15.
The Apollo 15 lunar module on the lunar surface in July 1971. Image credit: NASA
To watch the televised liftoff of the lunar module from the lunar surface, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmBc2y_m-2A&ab_channel=ApolloHouston