Apollo 11: The Moon Landing
On July 20, 1969, humanity achieved the impossible: walking on another world.
The Mission
- Neil Armstrong: Commander, first to walk on Moon
- Buzz Aldrin: Lunar Module Pilot
- Michael Collins: Command Module Pilot (orbited above)
Vehicle: Saturn V rocket — still the most powerful rocket ever flown
The Journey
July 16, 1969: Launch from Kennedy Space Center. 7.5 million pounds of thrust.
July 19: Lunar orbit achieved.
July 20: Armstrong and Aldrin enter lunar module Eagle. Collins remains in command module Columbia.
The Landing
The landing was nearly aborted. Computer overload alarms sounded (1202 and 1201). Mission Control determined they could continue.
Armstrong took manual control to avoid a boulder field. With 25 seconds of fuel remaining, Eagle touched down in the Sea of Tranquility.
"Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed."
First Steps
Six hours later, Armstrong descended the ladder. 600 million people watched on television.
"That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind."
- Collected 47 pounds of samples
- Planted the American flag
- Deployed scientific instruments
- Spoke with President Nixon
Return
July 21: Liftoff from Moon. Rendezvous with Collins.
July 24: Splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.
Legacy
Apollo 11 proved humanity can achieve the extraordinary through dedication, courage, and teamwork. It remains our species' greatest adventure.
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