Archive · 31 Jul 2025
History: First Moon Drive and Phelps Olympic Record
On July 31st, 1971, people drove on the Moon for the first time!
Astronauts David Scott and James Irwin used a special car called the Lunar Roving Vehicle.
It was like a moon buggy that helped them explore.
They drove around, checking out different rocks and places.
This was part of the Apollo 15 mission.
Also, on this day in 2012, swimmer Michael Phelps became the Olympian with the most medals ever, winning his 19th medal.
This was a super big deal in sports!
Humans first drove on the Moon on July 31, 1971, using the Lunar Roving Vehicle.
Astronauts David Scott and James Irwin of the Apollo 15 mission drove the LRV.
The LRV was battery-powered, designed for lunar terrain, and traveled up to 8 mph.
The astronauts drove a total of 27.76 kilometers exploring geological features.
American swimmer Michael Phelps set an Olympic record on July 31, 2012, with 19 medals.
- Who
- Astronauts David Scott and James Irwin, and swimmer Michael Phelps.
- What
- The first use of the Lunar Roving Vehicle on the Moon and Michael Phelps setting a new Olympic record.
- When
- July 31, 1971, and July 31, 2012.
- Where
- The Moon and London Summer Olympics.
- Why
- To explore the Moon and to compete in the Olympics.
- LRV Debut Date
- July 31, 1971
- Apollo Mission
- Apollo 15
- Astronauts
- David Scott, James Irwin
- Total Distance Driven
- 27.76 kilometers
- LRV Speed
- Up to 8 mph
- Phelps' Medal Count
- 19 medals in 2012
- Phelps' Sport
- Swimming
- Olympics Location
- London