Apollo 17 (December 7–19, 1972) was the final mission of NASA’s Apollo program, the most recent time humans have set foot on the Moon or traveled beyond low Earth orbit. Commander Gene Cernan and Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt walked on the Moon, while Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans orbited above.
Normally NASA astronauts follow a “script” and they know exactly what and when to say.
This astronaut however was too shocked by something he had never seen before. He forgets his “lines” and no longer follows the script.
Instead, a long and not planned discussion and conversation starts. The astronaut is truly amazed. Unlike his colleague, who seems to be in charge.
The astronaut asks what these objects were that flew over his head. Then it becomes hilarious. Flabbergasted, the second astronaut does also not know what to say. This was not planned and not in the script. He is however aware of the fact that they are being watched by NASA officials.
After a short period of silence, he says that it was a blast coming from the dial-shaped disc of the high gain antenna on the rover (vehicle).
More objects start flying over and again we hear genuine excitement. Then the astronaut realizes that he had said something he should not have said in front of the cameras and NASA. He reluctantly accepts the vague explanation. He is really annoyed and you hear sarcasm and disbelief in the undertone of his voice.
NASA tries to save this unpleasant situation and intervenes as CAPCOM confirms that it was a blast from the antenna and that it happened before.
According to the astronaut who clearly is in charge, this blast from the antenna is just “routine”.
This is an interesting video. Styrofoam blowing up on the Moon? This has happened before? When this really would be the case, would they not have taken countermeasures?
Space programs are planned with utmost precision and they do not take any risks with equipment and astronauts.
So what do you think after having seen the footage? Was it a blast from the antenna? Exploding styrofoam? Or is someone not telling us the truth and these two astronauts had a couple of “visitors” passing by?
