History Today: When humans drove on the Moon for the first time

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It was on July 31, 1971, that humans drove on the surface of the Moon for the first time using the Lunar Roving Vehicle. As part of Nasa's Apollo 15 mission, astronauts David Scott and James Irwin drove the LRV for a total of 27.76 kilometres (17.25 miles) and enabling them to explore diverse geological features read more
The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) was used for the first time on the Moon. This greatly changed the way Moon exploration worked, leading to an expansion in the range of areas that could be explored by the astronauts.
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On this day in 2012, American swimmer Michael Phelps set a new Olympic record by winning 19 medals. With this, he surpassed the previous all-time record of 18 medals held by Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina since 1964.
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Here is all that happened on this day.
The Lunar Roving Vehicle was first used on the Moon
The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) made its historic debut on the Moon's surface on July 31, 1971, during Nasa's Apollo 15 mission. Thus, Astronauts David Scott and James Irwin became the first humans to drive a vehicle on the Moon.
Developed by Boeing and Delco Electronics, the LRV was a lightweight, battery-powered, four-wheeled vehicle specifically designed to operate in the Moon's low-gravity, rocky terrain. It could travel up to 8 miles per hour, had a range of about 57 miles, and featured a tubular aluminium frame, mesh wheels, and seats for two astronauts in full space suits. It also included TV cameras, tools, and storage for collected samples.
The LRV is photographed alone against the desolate lunar background following the third Apollo 15. File image/Wikimedia Commons
Apollo 15 was the first of the 'J-missions,' designed for extended lunar stays and greater scientific exploration. After landing the Lunar Module Falcon at the Hadley-Apennine site, Scott and Irwin deployed the LRV from a folded position on the module's side.
Over three separate lunar excursions (Extravehicular Activities or EVAs), Scott and Irwin drove the LRV for a total of 27.76 kilometres (17.25 miles). This enabled them to explore diverse geological features, including the Hadley Rille and the Apennine Mountains and collect a wider variety of rock and soil samples.
The success of the LRV on Apollo 15 led to its use on the following two missions, Apollo 16 and Apollo 17, helping to further expand lunar exploration. After each mission, the rovers were left behind on the Moon, where they remain today.
Michael Phelps set Olympic record
American swimmer Michael Phelps set the record for the most number of medals won at an Olympics on July 31, 2012, at the London Summer Olympics. With a gold medal in the 4x200-metre freestyle relay, Phelps earned his 19th Olympic medal. With this, he surpassed the previous all-time record of 18 held by Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina since 1964.
Although he had faced a disappointing start to the London Games, having earned a silver in the 200m butterfly earlier that same night, the relay victory brought a triumphant culmination to his pursuit of this significant milestone.
Michael Phelps etched history by becoming the first Olympian to win 19 medals. File image/AP
Swimming the anchor leg, Phelps plunged into the water with a commanding lead built by his teammates Ryan Lochte, Conor Dwyer, and Ricky Berens. He powered through his laps, securing the gold medal for the US and, more importantly, etching his name into the annals of Olympic history. The roar of the crowd in the Aquatics Centre underscored the magnitude of the moment.
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Phelps would go on to win more medals in London and at the subsequent Rio 2016 Olympics, bringing his astonishing career total to 28 Olympic medals, including 23 gold.
This Day, That Year
On this day in 2012, American novelist, playwright, and essayist Gore Vidal passed away.
US President Harry S Truman dedicated Idlewild Airport as New York International Airport in 1948.
The Treaty of Breda ended the Second Anglo-Dutch War and transferred New Netherland (now New York and New Jersey) to England in 1667.