Apollo 12

Quick Facts: Who was Apollo 12?

Subject:

Apollo 12

Known for:

Second crewed Moon landing; explored the Ocean of Storms in November 1969.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Apollo 12 (November 14–24, 1969) was the sixth crewed flight in the United States Apollo program and the second to land on the Moon. It was launched on November 14, 1969, by NASA from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, landing on the part of the Moon called the Ocean of Storms on November 19, 1969. Commander Charles "Pete" Conrad and Lunar Module Pilot Alan L. Bean completed just over one day and seven hours of lunar surface activity while Command Module Pilot Richard F. Gordon remained in lunar orbit.

Career & Major Achievements

Apollo 12 would have attempted the first lunar landing had Apollo 11 failed, but after the success of the earlier mission, Apollo 12 was postponed by two months, and other Apollo missions also put on a more relaxed schedule. More time was allotted for geologic training in preparation for Apollo 12 than for Apollo 11, Conrad and Bean making several geology field trips in preparation for their mission.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Apollo 12's spacecraft and launch vehicle were almost identical to Apollo 11's. One addition was a set of hammocks, designed to provide Conrad and Bean with a more comfortable resting arrangement inside the Lunar Module during their stay on the Moon.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1969: 1969 Milestone — Apollo 12 (November 14–24, 1969) was the sixth crewed flight in the United States Apollo program and the second to land on the Moon.

Notable Quotes by Apollo 12

“We are going to the Moon.” (1969)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Apollo 12

True or False: “Apollo 12 was the first mission to successfully land on the Moon.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Apollo 11 was the first crewed mission to successfully land on the Moon. Apollo 12 was the second.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adam Gilchrist — Historical peer (Born in 1969) (1969): Legendary Australian cricketer, redefining the wicket-keeper-batsman role with aggressive flair.
• Adam Riess — Historical peer (Born in 1969) (1969): Astrophysicist known for evidence of accelerating universe expansion via supernovae.
• Apollo 13 — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Apollo 13: The mission that aborted a Moon landing but ensured a safe return to Earth.
• Apollo 15 — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Apollo 15: The pioneering J-mission with extended lunar exploration and scientific focus.
• Apollo 17 — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: NASA's final crewed mission; the sixth and most recent human landing on the Moon.
• Apollo 8 — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: First crewed mission to orbit the Moon, seeing Earthrise and the lunar far side.

Frequently Asked Questions about Apollo 12