Final answer:
The lunar rovers used in the Apollo 15, 16, and 17 missions allowed astronauts to explore the Moon's surface and collect essential data, although the total distance driven is not specified in the provided information.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lunar rover, used in NASA's Apollo missions, facilitated extensive exploration of the Moon's surface. Specifically, the crews of Apollo 15, 16, and 17 were equipped with an electrically driven 'moon buggy,' which allowed them to travel and conduct scientific research on the lunar terrain. These missions marked extraordinary achievements for NASA's Project Apollo, with the rovers enabling astronauts to bring back significant samples of lunar rock and soil, and providing a closer look at the Moon's geological history and composition. The rover portrayed in the images of the Apollo 15 mission represents the human endeavor to directly explore celestial bodies beyond Earth. Although the exact distance driven by the lunar rovers is not provided in the reference information, it showcases the success and invaluable data that were collected during these historical manned lunar missions.