Funny how the first stage Saturn V engines (the F1 engines) that had the largest CLAIMED specific impulse (figure of merit for rocket engines) never were made again (and the plans were "lost"). Presently, until demonstrated otherwise, the Russians and Chinese make the world's most powerful rockets.
The space shuttle with auxiliary fuel in the cargo bay was more than capable enough of doing a trip to orbit the moon and return. Ever wonder if that was perhaps tried? Wonder what may have gone wrong? The spacecraft was capable of the trip, but was the crew?
I don't think the American scientists achieved anything they really wanted with their "moon" missions. The first sample collections may have achieved something but we'll have to wait for Russian and Chinese mining missions before anybody is going to say what it is.
