Jul 16 1969
From The Space Library
Click here to listen to the VOA coverage of the Launch of Apollo 11
Click here to listen to Apollo 11 Translunar Injection VOA coverage
July 16-24: Apollo 11 (AS-506) manned lunar landing mission flown by NASA achieved eight-year national goal set by President Kennedy May 25, 1961. On July 20, spacecraft's LM -5, Eagle, landed on lunar surface and first man stepped out onto moon. Two astronauts performed assigned tasks on lunar surface before reentering LM to lift off from moon, redock with CSM -107, Columbia, and return safely to earth.
July 16-19: Mission began at 9:32 am EDT July 16, when spacecraft was launched from KSC Launch Complex 39, Pad A, by Saturn V 506 booster. Liftoff was relayed live on TV to 33 countries on 6 continents, watched by estimated 25 million TV viewers in U.S." and heard on radio by millions of listeners. Launch events occurred as planned and spacecraft carried Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong (commander), Michael Collins (CM pilot), and Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr. (LM pilot), into circular parking orbit with 118.5-mi (190.7-km) altitude. After post-insertion checkout CSM separated from Saturn V 3rd stage (S-IVB ) and LM Eagle. Crew successfully transposed and docked with LM, ejected CSM /LM from S-IVB, and conducted first SPS burn. Successful propellant dump provided impulse to S-IVB for slingshot maneuver to earth-escape velocity. Translunar injection maneuver was so accurate that first midcourse correction was not required. Midcourse correction No. 2, at 26:45 GET, was so accurate that third and fourth maneuvers were not necessary.
Crew conducted two unscheduled color TV broadcasts-for 16 min beginning at 10:32 GET (taped for 11:26 GET transmission) and for 50 min beginning at 30:28 GET-and one scheduled 36-min transmission beginning at 33:59 GET. Broadcasts were very clear and showed earth, onboard computer keyboard, and crew. At 55:08 GET (4:40 pm EDT July 18) crew began 96-min color TV transmission with excellent picture resolution, coverage, and general quality. Viewers in North America, South America, Japan, and Western Europe saw live pictures of CSM and LM interiors, CSM exterior, and earth and watched crew removing probe and drogue, opening spacecraft tunnel hatch, preparing food, and housekeeping LM.
Apollo 11 passed into moon's sphere of influence at 61:40 GET, 214,546.8 mi (345,205.8 km) from earth, traveling at 2,990 fps relative to earth. Spacecraft entered lunar orbit with 194.3-mi (312.6-km) apolune and 70.5-mi (113.4 km) perilune at 75:56 GET (1:28 pm EDT July 19) after first SPS burn. During second lunar orbit, live color TV transmission showed spectacular views of lunar surface and approach path to Site 2. Armstrong pointed out lunar landmarks and described unexplained glow near crater Aristarchus which some scientists believed to be volcanic activity. Second SPS burn circularized orbit with 75.6-mi (121.6-km) apolune and 61.9-mi (99.6-km) perilune. Aldrin transferred to LM for two-hour housekeeping, voice and telemetry test, and oxygen-purge-system check.
July 20-21: Armstrong and Aldrin reentered LM at 95:20 GET and checked out all systems before firing reaction-control-system thrusters to separate and LM on far side of moon. LM descent propulsion-system engine propelled LM to within 9.8 mi (15B km) of lunar surface. Because LM -powered descent maneuver-initiated at perilune of descent orbit-was about 4.6 mi (7.4 km) downrange from planned position, landing point was also shifted downrange. During final approach phase, crew noted that landing point to which spacecraft was heading was in center of large, rugged crater with 5- to 10-ft-dia boulders. Consequently crew flew past crater to more suitable touchdown point by controlling attitude manually and adjusting descent rate and horizontal velocity. Officials later attributed change in course to malfunction in onboard radar and subsequent critical overload of computer, which caused warning alarms and could have aborted mission.
LM landed on moon at 102:46 GET (4:18 pm EDT July 20) in Sea of Tranquility, 20,800 ft west and 4,000-5,000 ft south of center of planned landing ellipse. Landing-point coordinates were approximately 23.5°E and 0.64°N and site altitude was approximately 8,600 ft below moon's mean radius.
Armstrong reported: "Houston, Tranquility Base here-the Eagle has landed." Mission Control replied: "Roger, Tranquility. We copy you on the ground. You got a bunch of guys about to turn blue. We are breathing again. Thanks a lot" Armstrong said landing area contained numerous boulders up to two feet in diameter, some apparently fractured by LM engine exhaust, and surface color varied from very light to dark gray. Crew immediately adapted to one-sixth (earth) gravity in LM and moved with ease. About two hours after landing astronauts requested and were granted permission to perform extravehicular activities (EVA) on moon's surface before sleep period-about 41/2 hrs earlier than originally scheduled.
After post landing checks, Armstrong opened LM hatch, descended LM ladder, and deployed modularized equipment stowage assembly (MESA) containing camera, which recorded his descent to lunar surface. Aldrin remained inside LM and recorded Armstrong's descent with 16-mm Maurer camera. Armstrong took man's first step on moon at 109:24 GET (10:56 pm EDT July 20). Some 600 million viewers on earth-one-fifth of world population-watched live TV transmission and heard him describe feat as "one small step for a man-one giant leap for mankind." Collins, orbiting moon alone in CM Columbia, was unable to see July 20-21: "One small step for a man-one giant leap for mankind."
Collins, orbiting moon alone in CSM Columbia, was unable to see landing and subsequent EVA because CSM was not equipped to receive TV transmission. Armstrong said moon had "stark beauty all its own" like desert in southwestern U.S. Lunar surface was "fine and powdery" and could be kicked up loosely. "It adheres like powdered charcoal . . . but I only go in a small fraction of an inch. I can see my footprint in the moon like fine grainy particles." Armstrong checked LM exterior and reported penetration of LM footpads into lunar surface was three to four inches and that strut collapse was minimal. Blast of descent engine had not formed crater in surface and about one foot of clearance remained between engine bell and lunar surface. He reported only problem was seeing his footing in darkness of LM shadow. He emplaced microdot containing messages from world leaders, collected contingency sample of lunar soil near LM ladder, and reported that, although surface consisted of soft loose material, material six or eight inches under surface was very hard and cohesive. Rocks were very slippery, apparently because vesicles (pores) were filled with powdery surface material.
Armstrong photographed Aldrin's descent to lunar surface at 11:15 pm EDT and astronauts unveiled plaque mounted on strut behind ladder and read its inscription to their worldwide TV audience: "Here men from the planet earth first set foot on the moon July 1969, A.D. We came in peace for all mankind." Armstrong then removed TV camera from MESA, obtained panorama, and placed camera on tripod 40 ft from LM to view subsequent EVA. Aldrin experimented to assess mobility on moon by walking, running, leaping, and doing two-footed kangaroo hops between LM and camera. He indicated some difficulty in maintaining balance but said that his agility was better than expected and that he was able to move with great ease. Mass of backpack affected inertia and caused "slight tendency . .. to tip backwards. If I'm about to lose my balance in one direction, recovery is quite natural and easy. You've just got to be careful landing in the direction you want to go in."
Aldrin deployed solar wind composition experiment in sunlight north of LM and joined Armstrong in erecting three- by five-foot American flag on eight-foot aluminum staff. Astronauts saluted flag and then talked by radiotelephone with President Nixon at White House in what President called "most historic telephone call ever made from the White House." President said: "Because of what you have done the heavens have become a part of man's world. As you talk to us from the Sea of Tranquility, it inspires us to redouble our efforts to bring peace and tranquility to earth. For one priceless moment in the whole history of man all the people on this earth are truly one-one in their pride in what you have done and one in our prayers that you will return safely to earth." Astronauts saluted President and expressed honor and privilege of representing U.S. and world on moon.
Continuing EVA, Armstrong collected bulk sample of assorted surface material and selected rock chunks, inspected LM, deployed passive seismic experiment package and laser ranging retroreflector, and collected two core samples and 20 lbs of discretely selected material. Throughout EVA continuous black-and-white coverage of crew activity provided live documentation, with telemetered data and voice comments. Lunar surface photography included both still and sequence coverage using Hasselblad, Maurer data-acquisition, and Apollo lunar surface close-up cameras. Astronauts completed EVA, transferred film and samples to LM, reentered LM and jettisoned equipment according to plan, closing hatch by 111:39 GET (1:11 am EDT July 21). Armstrong and Aldrin rested inside LM seven hours and checked out systems.
At 124:22 GET (1:54 pm July 21) LM successfully lifted off moon, after 21 hrs 36 min on lunar surface. All lunar ascent and rendezvous maneuvers were nominal. Eagle reported to Mission Control: "Eagle LM docked with CSM at 128:03 GET. Crew transferred with samples and film to CSM, and LM ascent stage was jettisoned into lunar orbit. SM reaction control-system separation maneuver placed CSM into orbit with 72.0 mi (115.9-km) apolune and 63.0-mi (101.4-km) perilune, where crew rested and prepared for return to earth.
July 22-24: Crew fired SPS engine at 135:24 GET (12:55 am EDT July 22), injecting CSM into transearth trajectory after 59 hrs 28 min (30 revolutions) in lunar orbit. Midcourse correction No. 5, at 150:30 GET, was so accurate that sixth and seventh corrections were not necessary. During 18-min color TV transmission, crew demonstrated weightlessness of food and water and showed scenes of moon and earth. Aldrin showed in-space preparation of ham sandwich and Collins showed viewers how to drink water from teaspoon and from water gun. Final, 121/2-min broadcast at 177:32 GET sent message of appreciation from each astronaut to all who helped make Apollo 11 mission possible.
CM separated from SM on schedule at 194:49 GET. Because of deteriorating weather in nominal landing area, splashdown point was moved 247.4 mi downrange, where weather was excellent. Parachute deployment and other reentry events occurred as planned.
Apollo 11 splashed down in mid-Pacific at 12:51 pm EDT July 24, 15 mi from recovery ship U.S.S. Hornet, 195 hrs 19 min after launch. Swimmers attached flotation collar and seven-man raft to spacecraft and helicopter dropped biological isolation garments, which were donned by astronauts inside CM and by one swimmer. Two other swimmers moved upwind of CM on another large raft. Postlanding ventilation was turned off and CM powered down, and astronauts climbed out and helped swimmer close hatch. Swimmer then decontaminated all garments, hatch area, flotation collar, and area around postlanding vent valves with Betadine disinfectant. Helicopter carried astronauts to recovery ship, where they entered 32-ft-long mobile quarantine facility (MQF) with recovery physician and technician. They were congratulated by President Nixon and Dr. Thomas O. Paine, NASA Administrator, who were on board ship. Crew, physician, and technician remained inside MQF until it was delivered to Lunar Receiving Laboratory (LRL) in Houston July 27.
CM was retrieved, placed in dolly on board recovery ship, moved to MQF, and mated to transfer tunnel. From inside MQF/CM containment envelope, MQF engineer removed lunar samples and equipment through decontamination lock and CM was sealed until delivery to LRL. Sample return containers, film, and other data were flown to Johnston Island and to Houston for transport to LRL.
Primary Apollo 11 mission objective-to perform manned landing on moon and return-and all detailed test objectives were achieved. All launch vehicle and spacecraft systems performed according to plan, with only minor, corrected discrepancies. Flight crew performance was outstanding; all three crew members remained in excellent health and their prevailing good spirits and proficiency were major factors in mission's success. Accomplishments included first manned lunar landing and return; first lunar surface EVA; first seismometer, laser reflector, and solar wind experiment deployed on moon; first lunar soil samples returned to earth; largest U.S. payload ever placed into lunar orbit (72,0376 lbs at lunar orbit insertion) ; acquisition of numerous visual observations, photos and TV transmissions of scientific and engineering significance; and first operational use of MQF and LRL.
Apollo 11 was eighth Apollo mission to date, fifth manned Apollo mission, and first manned lunar landing mission. Mission acquired major quantities of data for subsequent Apollo flights. First manned Apollo mission, Apollo 7 (Oct. 11-22, 1968), had verified operation of spacecraft for lunar-mission duration. First manned lunar orbital mission, Apollo 8 (Dec. 21-27, 1968), had proved capability of Apollo spacecraft and hardware to operate out to lunar distance and return through earth's atmosphere. Apollo 9 (March 3-13, 1969) had proved capability of LM to operate in space under manned conditions. Apollo 10 (May 18-26, 1969) had successfully operated complete Apollo spacecraft on lunar orbital mission and had provided major quantities of scientific and training materials for Apollo 11. Apollo Program was directed by NASA Office of Manned Space Flight; MSC was responsible for Apollo spacecraft development, MSFC for Saturn V launch vehicle, and KSC for launch operations. Tracking and data acquisition was managed by GSFC under overall direction of NASA Office of Tracking and Data Acquisition. (NASA Proj Off; NASA Release 69-83K; NYT, 7/16-25/69; W Post, 7/16-25/69; W Star, 7/16-25/69; B Sun, 7/16-25/69; PD, 7/28/69, 1016)
July 16: U.S.S.R.'s Luna XV (launched July 13) entered lunar orbit at 3:00 pm Baikonur time (6:00 am EDT) with all systems functioning normally, Tass announced. Sir Bernard Lovell, Director of U.K.'s Jodrell Bank Experimental Station, said spacecraft was transmitting telemetry data but no photographic signals. (SBD, 7/18/69, 22; AP, W Star, 7/17/69, Al)
In Cape Kennedy interview before Apollo 11 launch, Vice President Spiro T. Agnew said, "It is my individual feeling that we should articulate a simple, ambitious, optimistic goal of a manned flight to Mars by the end of this century. Whether we say it or not, someone's going to do it." After liftoff, Vice President told NASA launching team, ". . . all the time I was out there I couldn't help thinking of you, the people in here and all over NASA who have done such a brilliant job in putting together the combined effort behind those three gentlemen who are off on this historic mission. . . . I bit the bullet for you today as far as Mars is concerned. But on the other hand . . . I may be a voice in the wilderness." In Washington, D.C." Senate Majority Leader Michael J. Mansfield (D-Mont.) told press, "I think we have a lot of problems here on earth that we must face up to and when we settle those we ought to consider future space ventures." Senate Majority Whip Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) said, "The Apollo Program is for landing a man on the moon and exploration and should take another one to two years. I think after that the space program ought to fit into our other national priorities." (Witkin, NYT, 7/17/69, 1; Transcript, Agnew statement to NASA launch crew; (UPI, W Post, 7/17/69, Al)
At White House, President Nixon proclaimed July 21 National Day of Participation. "Apollo 11 is on its way to the moon. . . Never before has man embarked on so epic an adventure. . . . As the astronauts go . .. we on earth will want, as one people, to be with them in spirit . . . and to support them with prayers that all will go well." All Executive departments and Government agencies would be closed and U.S. flag would be displayed on public buildings. With many members at Cape Kennedy, Senate and House met briefly and conducted only routine business. Congressional Record was filled with comments on Apollo 11 and wishes for Godspeed to astronauts. (PD, 7/21/69, 997-8; CR, 7/16/69)
During CBS TV interview at Cape Kennedy following Apollo 11 launch, former President Lyndon B. Johnson said, "If our industrial people, these great managers of industry, the laboring people of the country, the government, the scientists, all with the help of Congress, can get together and do a job like this there's just nothing we can't do." To world's ills, "we must apply some of the great talent that we've applied to space." There wasn't "a single thing that our country does, that our government does, that our people do, that has greater potential for peace than the space effort." (UPI, NYT, 7/17/69, 20)
Between 750,000 and 1 million persons crowded Brevard County, Fla., to witness launch of Apollo 11, including 5,000 dignitaries headed by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew and former President Lyndon B. Johnson. The Rev. Ralph D. Abernathy and 40 representatives of Poor People's Campaign watched launch from bleacher seats with 10,000 guests including families of Apollo Program personnel, while other representatives marched outside KSC. Paris Match had brought 105 European businessmen. Some 3,100 press members were at special stand. As Apollo spacecraft lifted from launch pad there was some applause, but most spectators stared in silence until Saturn V rocket disappeared overhead. Afterward many were caught in monumental traffic jams. Banana River, five miles south of Launch Complex 39, was clogged with several thousand boats registered from New England to Texas. (Greider, W Post, 7/17/69, Al; Weinraub, NYT, 7/17/69, 21; Lyons, NYT, 7/17/69, 21)
Apollo 11 launch brought mood of reflection across Nation, New York Times said. Dawn was breaking in western U.S. when blastoff occurred. Workers in San Francisco's open air fish markets stood in silence to hear radio report. In San Diego motorists crossing U.S.-Mexican border listened to countdown on car radios. In mid-America, classes were postponed at Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo." while cadets watched launch on TV. Cowhands at northern Wyoming ranch, inaccessible to radio or TV, interrupted work to honor Apollo 11. Ranch owner Dr. Oakleigh Thorn II said, "We feel so close to the moon shot out here, because we're so close to the stars and sky." In Biloxi, Miss., harbor fishermen paused on wharf to hear countdown. In Tennessee, tobacco farmers listened to transistor radios in fields. Washington, D.C., schoolteacher said, "The astronauts didn't just go to the moon. All our minds went to the moon and intellectually man's horizons have jumped leaps and bounds beyond the historical situation they've always been confined to." (Fosburgh, NYT, 7/17/69, 1)
Worldwide audience focused on Apollo 11 launch: At summer residence, Castel Gondolfo, Italy, Pope Paul VI asked for prayers for U.S. astronauts a few hours before launch toward moon. U.S.S.R. radio and TV gave factual accounts of Apollo 11 launch but maintained third day of silence on Luna XV. Major Soviet news program at 8:30 pm Moscow time showed tape of Apollo 11 liftoff taken from live comsat coverage. In U.K. TV viewers saw launch via transatlantic satellite. BBC scheduled live coverage through July 24 splashdown and would relay broadcasts to continent by cable. London newspapers front paged Apollo 11. Daily Express headline read, "Ho Hum-Anyone for the Moon Today?" over report on relaxed astronauts. Polish TV viewers saw launch via 45-min transmission directly from Cape Kennedy. Hundreds of Germans and Americans crowded Apollo 11 exhibit in Mannheim, Germany, department store. Swedish TV viewers were advised by state broadcasting company not to turn off sets Sunday night-so they could be awakened for scheduled moon landing Monday. Hippies in Iran held milk and honey pots in Teheran restaurant to toast astronauts. hi Egypt, Moslem world's leading moon expert, Sheikh Ahmand Haredi said, "The Koran urges Moslems to look up from their earthly abode to what lies behind the moon and stars." Japanese department stores featured models of Apollo command module. In Greece, Aspis-Pronoia insurance company issued first outer-space life insurance policy, to cover Apollo 11 crew at $10,000 each. In Spain people called event most interesting since Columbus discovered America. Israel's state radio broadcast in Hebrew from Cape Kennedy while Israelis stood around TV sets and portable radios in streets. U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem opened Apollo 11 information offices. Apollo 11 reaction was "generally tepid" in Lagos, Nigeria. Radio Nigeria reported launch seven minutes into its morning broadcast. Later it became number one newscast item. Most of Latin America missed launch on TV because of failure of Intelsat-III F-2 June 29. Latin American newspapers and TV correspondents traveled to U.S. to cover launch and were reported to be outraged by absence of TV coverage in their countries. In Colombia, government asked TV manufacturers to put sets in all town squares. Bogota students would have July 21 off to watch lunar landing. (NYT, 7/17/69, 21, 22; Bishop, C Trib, 7/17/69)
Harry F. Guggenheim said in Washington Evening Star article that rocket expert Dr. Robert H. Goddard "was to the moon rocket what the Wright brothers were to the airplane." Guggenheim, administrator of Daniel Guggenheim Fund for the Promotion of Aeronautics during period it helped support Dr. Goddard's research, traced career of "Father of modern rocketry" from early experiments in 1908. Among Goddard's inventions were: first liquid-fuel rocket, first smokeless powder rocket, and first practical automatic steering device for rockets. It was no wonder American Rocket Society had conceded to Goddard "the almost single-handed development of rocketry 'from a vague dream to one of the most significant branches of modern engineering., " He had left "testimony to the power of one solitary individual to effect change and to transform the future." While Dr. Goddard had died without fame which had accrued to Wright brothers in their lifetime, "he died still believing that man would one day shatter the fetters of Earth's gravity and stride majestically into the vast reaches of space. I wish he were here now to share this moment. It belongs to him." (AP, W Star, 7/16/69, A15)
As part of NASA and Washington National Gallery of Art program, Eyewitness to Space, group of artists attended Apollo 11 launch to paint facets of mission. Program originated in 1963 when artists were invited to cover Mercury 9 mission. Among those commissioned to record Apollo 11 were Peter Hurd, Robert Rauschenberg, Lamar Dodd, and James B. Wyeth. Since program started, 25 artists had produced more than 500 sketches and paintings. (Casey, W Post, 7/13/69, G1; Hicks, NYT, 7/15/69, 33; W Star, 7/17/69, Al2)
Apollo 11 was producing noticeable effect on business and consumer products, Washington Post sail Snoopy the Astronaut dolls were selling out; sales of color TV sets had risen in some stores; and sales of "moon maps and globes, as well as toy rocket ships and lunar exploration vehicles had also lifted skyward." Two Washington, D.C." department stores were offering Japanese telescopes ranging from $19.99 to $1,000.00. One toy store manager said sales of space-related toys had jumped 70% or 80% in two months. Rockets propelled by solid-fuel inserts sold for $1.50 to $5.00 complete with recovery parachute. One Washington store had sold out supply of $10 spacesuits. Demand for rental of color TV sets in Washington area had been "terrific," according to area dealer. (Cushing, W Post, 7/16/69, D11)
NAS announced formation of Universities Space Research Assn. (USRA) -national consortium of 48 universities-to foster cooperation among universities, other research organizations, and Government for advancement of space research [see Jan. 10]. It would acquire, plan, construct, and operate laboratories and other facilities for R&D and education in space science and technology and had submitted proposal to NASA for management of Lunar Science Institute in Houston, Tex. Existing contract between NASA and NAS would expire in autumn. (NAS Release)
U.S. newspaper editorials hailed Apollo 11 launch. Miami News: "All America, represented by three lonely men in space, is on its way to the moon. In fact, this is a people's effort, arousing the interest and participation of all the people of this country. This is evidenced by the more than one million persons on hand at Cape Kennedy . . . for the start of the moon voyage and by the many millions who join in the adventure by television. Today's magnificent launch, and the elan stirred in our people by it, makes this one of America's most splendid hours." (Miami News, 7/17/69, A16)
Washington Evening Star: countdown which culminated in Apollo 11 liftoff, "regardless of NASA'S official records," had begun, "when primitive man first looked up into the night sky to gaze at the moon, and to feel the first stirring of wonder." (W Star, 7/16/69, A22)
Huntsville Times: Manhattan Project had climaxed with July 16, 1945, explosion of world's first successful atomic bomb. "Men, it seems, can only pray that the consequences of the quest of the planets may be better than those born in the irreversible explosion on a New Mexico desert 24 years ago." (Huntsville Times, 7/16/69)
Chicago Sun-Times: "Man has always looked upward to the stars, first in fear and awe, then in need to know. Today the first great step to the firmament will be taken. If it is successful man will stand on the threshold of outer space-and standing there will reach outward." (C Sun-Times, 7/16/69)
Svenska Dagbladet, Stockholm, Sweden, welcomed Apollo 11 launch: "One of the greatest adventures of human history begins today. . . . Studies of the moon will to a great degree enrich our knowledge of both the earth and space. Among other things it will be possible to make comparisons which will propel science by leaps in various disciplines. . . . While we can predict much that may result from conquest of the moon, there will in all likelihood be many results which we cannot even imagine now. All great discoveries and bold undertakings have brought advances which no one could have foreseen from the outset." Arbetet, Malmo, Sweden: "There is an irrational element in these feats of discovery which fortunately dominates the prosaic calculation of gains. Then one can regret that man's fantasy seems incapable of being fired for such a tremendous task as eliminating starvation from our earth, or for bringing peace to Biafra or for eliminating the U.S. Negro ghettos. . . . Three men will be lifted to world acclaim today on the crest of mankind's greatest ever coordinated effort. . . ." (Am Embassy, Stockholm)
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