Apollo 15 astronauts first to drive on the moon

On July 31, 1971, Apollo 15 astronauts David Scott and James Irwin became the first people to drive on the moon, piloting the Lunar Roving Vehicle. The battery-powered rover reached 8.6 mph and allowed them to venture far from their landing site, covering more than 17 miles over three moonwalks. The mission's success paved the way for rovers on Apollo 16 and 17, and future moon explorers will use modern designs.