Apollo Program

Apollo 16

Vehicle: Saturn V | Launch Site: Pacific Ocean

Apollo 16 mission operations

Mission Overview

The Apollo 16 mission was a critical part of NASA's lunar exploration push. Explored the lunar highlands region of Descartes, conducting astronomical observations. The engineering advances made in guidance systems, thermal protection, computing, and structural engineering defined a generation of technology. The data returning from this mission shaped planetary geology, astronomy, and solar physics, cementing its position in human technological history.

Flight Crew & Officers

Charles Duke

Charles Duke

Crew Member Civilian
John Young

John Young

Crew Member Captain, USN
Ken Mattingly

Ken Mattingly

Crew Member Captain, USN

Multimedia Gallery

Apollo 16 launch operations photography

Official NASA historical record photography for Apollo 16.