Apollo 11 launched from Cape Kennedy on July 16, 1969, carrying Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin into an initial Earth-orbit of 114 by 116 miles. An estimated 530 million people watched Armstrong’s televised image and heard his voice describe the event as he took “…one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind” on July 20, 1969.
Detailed Objectives and Experiments included:
- Collect a contingency lunar sample.
- Egress from the LM to the lunar surface; perform lunar surface EVA operations, and ingress into the LM from the lunar surface.
- Perform lunar surface operations with the EMU.
- Obtain data on effects of DPS and RCS plume impingement on the LM and obtain data on the performance of the LM landing gear and descent engine skirt after touchdown.
- Obtain data on the lunar surface characteristics from the effects of the LM landing.
- Collect lunar bulk samples.
- Determine the position of the LM on the lunar surface.
- Obtain data on the effects of illumination and contrast conditions on crew visual perception.
- Demonstrate procedures and hardware used to prevent back contamination of the earth’s biosphere.
- Deploy the Early Apollo Scientific Experiments Package (EASEP) and conduct experiments.
- Obtain television coverage during the lunar stay period.
- Obtain photographic coverage during the lunar stay period.
- Return safely to Earth.
All primary objectives achieved.
Photo Galleries
Apollo 11 50th MOCR Photo Shoot
Photos taken by Reeves at MOCR Photoshoot