The astronauts flew to the Moon in the command module (CM). However, upon entering lunar orbit, the crew entered the lunar module (LM) spacecraft, which became their Moon ship. But it was much more than that. Upon landing on the Moon, the LM provided a 'base camp' from which the astronauts explored the landing site and eventually re-launched from the surface to rendezvous and dock with the orbiting CM. The LM was also their home on the Moon as they used it for eating and sleeping and to shelter from the harsh environment between exploration periods.

Touchdown on the lunar surface consisted of several steps: undocking from the command module, a carefully piloted descent to the surface, engine slowdown, and eventual shut-off as the sensors on the four circular landing pads detected a solid surface.

The LM was a two-section spacecraft consisting of an ascent stage and a descent stage. Both stages operated as a single unit during separation from the CM and while descending to the Moon. When it was time to leave the Moon, the descent stage functioned as a launching platform so the ascent stage could easily lift off from the surface. The ascent stage blasted off to rendezvous and dock with the CM orbiting above. The descent stage remained on the Moon.

Each mission had unique objectives, but almost every action performed on the Moon had a scientific purpose, from taking photographs and collecting samples, to deploying scientific equipment for later study. Just about every second of the extravehicular activity (EVA) outside the LM was used to learn more about the Moon and how people can work on the Moon. The bulky pressure suits limited the astronauts' ability to move freely, so special tools were devised to make exploration easier. 

Because of this limited mobility, tongs became an extremely handy tool for picking up rock samples. For soil samples, astronauts used a simple scoop, though the Apollo era astronauts went through several versions as they gained more experience on the Moon. For small pebbles, the lunar explorers used a scoop-like rake. The rake was pulled through the soil and then shaken to collect the larger particles, letting the smaller particles fall back to the lunar surface. 

Some tools served multiple purposes. Astronauts used hammers to chip samples from larger rocks and also to drive core tubes into the lunar surface to extract samples. On the later missions, astronauts used an electric drill to bore down nearly 10 feet!

NASA also tasked the astronauts with photographing the samples while still on the Moon and the area in which they were collected. A three-legged device called a gnomon was placed near the sample and photographed to provide a reference point of where the sample was found.

Astronauts stored the samples in bags of varying size and then transported them back to the LM. For the return trip to Earth the sample bags and boxes were stored securely in the cargo bay. Samples of special interest were placed in heavily sealed containers to protect them from atmospheric gases before they were opened in a safe and secure vacuum chamber back in Houston at the Lunar Sample Laboratory.

Nearly all the samples collected during the Apollo era provided valuable information on the history of both the Moon and our Earth.

NASA and the astronauts were not satisfied exploring only the areas directly around the LM, but it was just too dangerous for the astronauts to explore very far on foot. They could run out of oxygen or become overheated. They needed a Moon buggy! The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) was developed to allow further exploration of the Moon and was used on Apollo 15, 16, and 17. 

One major 'bump in the road' was designing the tires since little was known about the nature of the lunar surface. The low gravity of the Moon was a known factor, so a soft tire was a must to prevent bounce. Engineers decided on a metal mesh with titanium chevrons to help give the LRV more traction. The wheels had a rigid inner frame to prevent deflection and aid in load-carrying capacity. 

The LRV was stored inside the descent stage of the LM on the way to the Moon.  Upon arrival, the astronauts were able to deploy it and get it into working condition. Each mission from Apollo 15 to Apollo 17 drove the LRV a little farther than the previous mission. The astronauts on the final mission, Apollo 17, drove it for a total of 35.9 km (approximately 22 miles).

Living day-to-day on the Moon presented special challenges; everything was just a little harder!

Most Apollo foods were freeze-dried and had to be rehydrated before consumption. Some foods, like cookie cubes, did not have to be rehydrated and could be eaten straight out of the package. 

Exploring the lunar surface was exhausting! As astronauts began spending more time on the Moon, they needed sustenance to keep their energy up. Starting with Apollo 13, a drink bag was added into the spacesuits to allow the thirsty explorers a drink while collecting samples. By Apollo 15, astronauts exploring outside the LM could enjoy a snack, as well: an apricot food bar was strategically placed inside their helmets.

Sleeping on the Moon was a challenge on every mission. The inside of the LM was cramped and not made with comfort in mind. The spacecraft mechanisms were loud, there was not enough room, the lights were too bright, and plus, they were on the Moon! The awe of being there was sometimes the biggest hindrance to a good night’s sleep. 

There was no bathroom inside the LM or outside on the Moon, so the astronauts had to use special devices both inside and outside the LM when nature called.  Inside the craft, astronauts used a urine collection bag and a fecal collection device, which consisted of a plastic bag that was taped to the buttocks. On the lunar surface, things were a little bit trickier as everything had to be collected and stored within the spacesuit. For urine, astronauts wore a belt-like device that collected the urine until they could get inside the LM to empty it. For solid waste, the astronauts wore a defecation collection device, which was essentially a space diaper.

When it was time to leave the Moon, the astronauts powered up the ascent stage's engines and coordinated with the command module pilot for rendezvous and eventual return to Earth.

Once prompted, the astronauts fired the LM's ascent engine, disengaged from the descent stage, and began the ascent. Following several routine course correction burns, the LM rendezvoused with the command module. The two vehicles docked, and the crew members transferred to the CM with their samples.

Its job complete, the ascent stage was separated and left behind.