🌕 Apollo 11
“One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Image credit: NASA – Buzz Aldrin on the Moon, photographed by Neil Armstrong.
Mission Summary
Apollo 11 was the first mission to land humans on the Moon. Launched on July 16, 1969, it carried astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. On July 20, Armstrong and Aldrin walked on the lunar surface while Collins orbited above in the command module.
It remains one of humanity’s most iconic achievements in exploration and engineering.
Mission Objectives
- Perform a crewed lunar landing and safe return to Earth.
- Collect lunar soil and rock samples.
- Deploy scientific experiments on the Moon’s surface.
- Capture images and video from the lunar surface.
Spacecraft & Hardware
- Launch Vehicle: Saturn V rocket
- Command Module: Columbia
- Lunar Module: Eagle
- Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, LC-39A
Timeline
- July 16, 1969: Launch from Earth.
- July 19: Enter lunar orbit.
- July 20: Lunar Module Eagle lands in Sea of Tranquility.
- July 20: First human steps on the Moon.
- July 24: Splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.
Legacy & Impact
Apollo 11 demonstrated that humanity could leave its home world, land on another, and return safely. It inspired generations of scientists, engineers, and dreamers.
The mission also provided crucial data about the Moon’s geology and environment, helping shape later lunar exploration and future plans for long-duration missions.
Watch the Mission
Fun Facts
- The computer on Apollo 11 was less powerful than a modern smartphone.
- The astronauts left a plaque on the Moon reading: “We came in peace for all mankind.”
- Footprints on the Moon may last for millions of years due to lack of atmosphere.