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- Geology Briefings, Bonito Lava Flow, 1964
Description: John Young (left), Neil Armstrong (center), and Branch of Astrogeology trainer discussing the geology of the Bonito Lava Flow in Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument in 1964. One of the Apollo crew's tasks was the geological exploration of the lunar surface - the Bonito Lava Flow was chosen for training because prior to the first successful landing on the moon, the rough lava-flow surface was thought to be a good proxy for the lunar surface. Collection: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. - Preparing to Test Equipment, 1964
Description: In 1964, the first field tests using NASA space suits took place on the Bonito Lava Flow and the deep bordering cinder. Here, the crew poses alongside the equipment truck, with the Bonito Lava Flow behind them. Collection: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. - Exploring the Bonito Lava Flow, 1964
Description: Apollo astronauts John Young (left) and Neil Armstrong (center) with a Branch of Astrogeology trainer exploring the Bonito Lava Flow in 1964. Prior to the first successful moon landing, scientists thought the rough lava-flow surface was likely how the surface of the moon would be. Collection: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. - "Trainee Astronauts Complete Lunar Studies, Embark by Plane for Home"
Description: A 1963 newspaper clipping tells of the adventures of the "New Nine" at Sunset Crater and Meteor Crater. The experience was only the beginning of the Apollo training at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Collection: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. - "Snow Bowl Last Astronaut Stop"
Description: A newspaper clipping from 1963 (the handwritten date is incorrect) picturing the "New Nine" at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument's Ice Cave. Collection: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. - 1963 Map of the Surveyor Test Locations
Description: 1963 hand-drawn map of the Surveyor test locations. Collection: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. - Surveyor Lunar Rover Prototype
Description: In 1964, two lunar rover prototypes were tested on the Bonito Lava Flow to determine which had the best trafficability on the lava. The lava tore the tread from the Bendix prototype (shown here), and both prototypes were ultimately dropped because of poor field-test results. Collection: USGS Open-File Report 2005-1190, Figure 009. - Testing the Surveyor Camera System
Description: In 1964, the camera system ultimately used on during the Surveyor missions was tested on the Bonito Lava Flow in Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. The lava flow was selected for the test because it was thought that it would reflect light the same way as expected on the lunar surface. Collection: USGS Open-File Report 2005-1190, Figure 013; USGS photo, P879B, F651112. - Geology Training on the Bonito Lava Flow, 1964
Description: Astronauts C.C. Williams, Frank Borman, and Gene Cernan with Branch of Astrogeology trainer Dale Jackson on the Bonito Lava Flow in 1964. Collection: USGS Open-File Report 2005-1190, Figure 014e; NASA photo S-64-23729, 30 April 1964. - Testing the First Spacesuits, 1964
Description: The first spacesuits were tested in Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument in 1964, but not by astronauts. Although members of the Apollo crew were present, the suits were too small for any of them, so the actual tests were done by Gene Shoemaker, Jerry Harbor, and Gene Phillippi, all of the Branch of Astrogeology, which later became NASA. Collection: USGS Open-File Report 2005-1190, Figure 016a. - Testing Suits on the Bonito Lava Flow
Description: One test of the suits involved climbing on the Bonito Lava Flow, where sharp stones and loose footing were both hazards. Collection: USGS Open-File Report 2005-1190, Figure 016b. - Testing an Early Concept of the Lunar Staff
Description: Standing on the edge of the Bonito Lava Flow, a fully suited Gene Phillippi tests an early concept of the Lunar Staff, which is topped by a sun compass. Collection: USGS Open-File Report 2005-1190, Figure 016c. - Gene Phillippi resting on the edge of the Bonito Lava Flow
Description: Gene Phillipi, still suited, resting on the edge of the Bonito Lava Flow. Collection: USGS Open-File Report 2005-1190, Figure 016d. - Suiting Up
Description: Gene Shoemaker, Jerry Harbor, or Gene Phillippi suiting up to test equipment in Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Collection: USGS Open-File Report 2005-1190, Figure 016g. - Testing the Lunar Staff
Description: Preparing to test the Lunar Staff. This is probably Gene Phillippi, a member of the Branch of Astrogeology. Collection: USGS Open-File Report 2005-1190, Figure 016h.