Episode 45: 4th July 2011: Apollo 15 Command Module Pilot Al Worden

Probably the most scientifically demanding Apollo mission, Apollo
15 was launched on 26th July 1971 on a two week mission. Al Worden
in the command module orbited the Moon for 75 orbits whilst Dave
Scott and James Irwin explored the south eastern edge of Mare
Imbrium on the Moon’s surface.  Apollo 15 launched with the
heaviest payload of all Apollo missions and included the first moon
rover, a sub-satellite launched from Apollo 15 in to lunar orbit
and a collection of science instruments including a high resolution
camera to map the lunar surface. To coincide with the 40th
anniversary, on July 26th 2011, writing with Francis French Al
Worden is publishing his autobiography.  In this interview
recorded in London on 22nd May, Al talks about his test pilot
career before joining NASA, the Apollo 15 mission, the “Covers
incident” (these were stamped postal covers franked on the day of
launch and again the day of ret urn for subsequent public sale) his
post NASA career and his autobiography Falling to Earth. In
addition to bringing back 77kg of Lunar Material, high resolution
images of the Moon from lunar orbit and images of the zodiacal
light, solar corona and gegenschein, Al Worden conducted a 38
minute space walk a day after they fired the engine for their
journey home from Lunar orbit. ________________________ Today’s
quote is from Al during this interview. It is a reminder that space
exploration is not only about cutting-edge technology and
breathtaking adventure but it is above all a human endeavour. “The
story of Apollo 15 is a story of betrayal by people and by the
government”