Apollo in context

Abstract

The Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package (ALSEP) was a selection of modular instruments that could be mixed and matched to study the various themes in lunar science. Generally, later flights carried larger packages, and much of the first EVA was required to deploy them. Some apparatus was carried by several flights in order to form ‘networks’ that could make coordinated measurements. Later flights carried instruments designed to follow up earlier results, so, overall, the program was well integrated. Several independent themes were addressed in parallel. The main focus of attention was the state of the Moon, but cislunar space was also studied, and several other projects were pursued on an ad hoc basis.