explore the lunar surface and in supporting the testing of equipment for both crewed and uncrewed missions.

As part of the astronauts' training, USGS and NASA geoscientists gave lectures and field trips during the 1960s and early 1970s on the basics of terrestrial and lunar geology. Field trips included excursions into the Grand Canyon to demonstrate the development of geologic structure over time; Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff), Kitt Peak National Observatory