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Earthrise
Apollo 8, the first manned m …
12/24/08
Description Apollo 8, the first manned mission to the moon, entered lunar orbit on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 1968. That evening, the astronauts--Commander Frank Borman, Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell, and Lunar Module Pilot William Anders--held a live broadcast from lunar orbit, in which they showed pictures of the Earth and moon as seen from their spacecraft. Said Lovell, "The vast loneliness is awe-inspiring and it makes you realize just what you have back there on Earth." They ended the broadcast with the crew taking turns reading from the book of Genesis. Visit the Apollo 8 page for audio and video of the historic mission. Image Credit: NASA
Date 12/24/08
Rising Earth
The crew of Apollo 8 capture …
5/6/09
Description The crew of Apollo 8 captured this view of Earth about five degrees above the lunar horizon on Dec. 22, 1968. Image Credit: NASA
Date 5/6/09
Earthrise - Apollo 8
title Earthrise - Apollo 8
date 12.29.1968
description This view of the rising Earth greeted the Apollo 8 astronauts as they came from behind the Moon after the lunar orbit insertion burn. Earth is about five degrees above the horizon in the photo. The unnamed surface features in the foreground are near the eastern limb of the Moon as viewed from Earth. The lunar horizon is approximately 780 kilometers from the spacecraft. Width of the photographed area at the horizon is about 175 km (109 miles). On the Earth 386,000 km (240,000 miles) away, the sunset terminator bisects Africa. *Image Credit*: NASA
Earth from Apollo 8
Title Earth from Apollo 8
Full Description This is how the Earth looked as photographed from a point near the Moon by the Apollo 8 astronauts. The Earth fills less than one percent of the frame exposed through 80mm lens. North is approximately vertical. Kinda lonely, isn't it?
Date 12/01/1968
NASA Center Johnson Space Center
Earthrise - Apollo 8
Title Earthrise - Apollo 8
Full Description This view of the rising Earth greeted the Apollo 8 astronauts as they came from behind the Moon after the lunar orbit insertion burn. The photo is displayed here in its original orientation, though it is more commonly viewed with the lunar surface at the bottom of the photo. Earth is about five degrees left of the horizon in the photo. The unnamed surface features on the left are near the eastern limb of the Moon as viewed from Earth. The lunar horizon is approximately 780 kilometers from the spacecraft. Height of the photographed area at the lunar horizon is about 175 kilometers.
Date 12/29/1968
NASA Center Headquarters
The Lunar Farside
Title The Lunar Farside
Full Description View of the lunar surface taken from the Apollo 8 spacecraft looking southward from high altitude across the Southern Sea. The bright-rayed crater near the horizon is located near 130 degrees east longitude and 70 degrees south latitude. The dark floored crater near the middle of the right side of the photograph is about 70 kilometers (45 statute miles) in diameter. Both features are beyond the eastern limb of the Moon as viewed from earth, neither has a name.
Date 12/24/1968
NASA Center Johnson Space Center
Research pilot Fred Haise
Photo Date April 7, 1966
Apollo 8 Capsule Hoisted Ont …
Name of Image Apollo 8 Capsule Hoisted Onto Recovery Ship
Date of Image 1968-12-27
Full Description This is a photograph of the Apollo 8 Capsule being hoisted onto the recovery ship following splashdown on December 27, 1968. The first manned Apollo mission to escape Earth?s gravity and travel to the lunar vicinity, the Saturn V, SA-503, Apollo 8 mission liftoff occurred seven days prior, on December 21, 1968. Aboard were astronauts William Anders, Lunar Module (LM) Pilot, James Lovell, Command Module (CM) pilot, and Frank Borman, commander. The mission achieved operational experience and tested the Apollo command module systems, including communications, tracking, and life-support, in cis-lunar space and lunar orbit, and allowed evaluation of crew performance on a lunar orbiting mission. The crew photographed the lunar surface, both far side and near side, obtaining information on topography and landmarks as well as other scientific information necessary for future Apollo landings. All systems operated within allowable parameters and all objectives of the mission were achieved.
Saturn V S-IVB (Third) Stage
Name of Image Saturn V S-IVB (Third) Stage
Date of Image 1967-01-01
Full Description After the S-II (second) stage dropped away, the S-IVB (third) stage ignited and burned for about two minutes to place itself and the Apollo spacecraft into the desired Earth orbit. At the proper time during this Earth parking orbit, the S-IVB stage was re-ignited to speed the Apollo spacecraft to escape velocity, injecting it and the astronauts into a moon trajectory. Developed and manufactured by the Douglas Aircraft Company in Huntington, California, the S-IVB stage measures about 21.5 feet in diameter, about 58 feet in length and is powered by a single 200,000-pound-thrust J-2 engine with a re-start capability. The S-IVB stage was also used on the second stage of the Saturn IB launch vehicle. The fully-assembled S-IVB (third) stage for the AS-503 (Apollo 8 mission) launch vehicle is pictured in the Douglas' vertical checkout building.
Saturn V S-IC (First) Stage …
Name of Image Saturn V S-IC (First) Stage for Apollo 8 in the Vehicle Assembly Building
Date of Image 1967-12-01
Full Description The S-IC stage being erected for the final assembly of the Saturn V launch vehicle for the Apollo 8 mission (AS-503), is photographed in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) high bay at the Kennedy Space Center. The Apollo 8 mission was the first Saturn V manned mission with astronauts Frank Borman, James A. Lovell, and William Anders. They escaped Earth's gravity and traveled to lunar vicinity. The launch of Apollo 8 occurred on December 21, 1968.
Saturn V S-IC (First) Stage …
Name of Image Saturn V S-IC (First) Stage for Apollo 8 in the Vehicle Assembly Building
Date of Image 1967-12-01
Full Description The S-IC stage being erected for the final assembly of the Saturn V launch vehicle for the Apollo 8 mission (AS-503), is photographed in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) high bay at the Kennedy Space Center. The Apollo 8 mission was the first Saturn V manned mission with astronauts Frank Borman, James A. Lovell, and William Anders. They escaped Earth's gravity and traveled to lunar vicinity. The launch of Apollo 8 occurred on December 21, 1968.
Apollo 8 Launch
Name of Image Apollo 8 Launch
Date of Image 1968-12-21
Full Description The third Saturn V launch vehicle (SA-503) for the Apollo 8 mission lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center on December 21, 1968. The first manned Saturn V vehicle with a crew of three astronauts, Frank Borman, James A. Lovell, Jr., and William Anders, escaped Earth's gravity, traveled to the lunar vicinity, and orbited the Moon.
Apollo 11 Astronauts Review …
Name of Image Apollo 11 Astronauts Review Lunar Charts During Breakfast
Date of Image 1969-07-16
Full Description Chief astronaut and director of flight crew operations, Donald K. Slayton (right front) reviews lunar charts with Apollo 11 astronauts Michael Collins (left), Neil Armstrong, and Edwin Aldrin (next to Slayton) during breakfast a short time before the three men launched for the first Moon landing mission. Sharing breakfast with the crew was William Anders (left rear), Lunar Module pilot for the Apollo 8 lunar orbit mission. The Apollo 11 mission launched from the NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida via the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) developed Saturn V launch vehicle on July 16, 1969 and safely returned to Earth on July 24, 1969. The CM, ?Columbia?, piloted by Collins, remained in a parking orbit around the Moon while the LM, ?Eagle??, carrying astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin, landed on the Moon. On July 20, 1969, Armstrong was the first human to ever stand on the lunar surface, followed by Aldrin. During 2½ hours of surface exploration, the crew collected 47 pounds of lunar surface material for analysis back on Earth. With the success of Apollo 11, the national objective to land men on the Moon and return them safely to Earth had been accomplished.
Montage of Apollo Crew Patch …
Name of Image Montage of Apollo Crew Patches
Date of Image 1979-05-01
Full Description This montage depicts the flight crew patches for the manned Apollo 7 thru Apollo 17 missions. The Apollo 7 through 10 missions were basically manned test flights that paved the way for lunar landing missions. Primary objectives met included the demonstration of the Command Service Module (CSM) crew performance, crew/space vehicle/mission support facilities performance and testing during a manned CSM mission, CSM rendezvous capability, translunar injection demonstration, the first manned Apollo docking, the first Apollo Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA), performance of the first manned flight of the lunar module (LM), the CSM-LM docking in translunar trajectory, LM undocking in lunar orbit, LM staging in lunar orbit, and manned LM-CSM docking in lunar orbit. Apollo 11 through 17 were lunar landing missions with the exception of Apollo 13 which was forced to circle the moon without landing due to an onboard explosion. The craft was,however, able to return to Earth safely. Apollo 11 was the first manned lunar landing mission and performed the first lunar surface EVA. Landing site was the Sea of Tranquility. A message for mankind was delivered, the U.S. flag was planted, experiments were set up and 47 pounds of lunar surface material was collected for analysis back on Earth. Apollo 12, the 2nd manned lunar landing mission landed in the Ocean of Storms and retrieved parts of the unmanned Surveyor 3, which had landed on the Moon in April 1967. The Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP) was deployed, and 75 pounds of lunar material was gathered. Apollo 14, the 3rd lunar landing mission landed in Fra Mauro. ALSEP and other instruments were deployed, and 94 pounds of lunar materials were gathered, using a hand cart for first time to transport rocks. Apollo 15, the 4th lunar landing mission landed in the Hadley-Apennine region. With the first use of the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV), the crew was bale to gather 169 pounds of lunar material. Apollo 16, the 5th lunar landing mission, landed in the Descartes Highlands for the first study of highlands area. Selected surface experiments were deployed, the ultraviolet camera/spectrograph was used for first time on the Moon, and the LRV was used for second time for a collection of 213 pounds of lunar material. The Apollo program came to a close with Apollo 17, the 6th and final manned lunar landing mission that landed in the Taurus-Littrow highlands and valley area. This mission hosted the first scientist-astronaut, Schmitt, to land on the Moon. The 6th automated research station was set up, and 243 ponds of lunar material was gathered using the LRV.
Astronaut James Lovell Offic …
Name of Image Astronaut James Lovell Official Portrait
Date of Image 1966-09-09
Full Description This is the official NASA portrait of astronaut James Lovell. Captain Lovell was selected as an Astronaut by NASA in September 1962. He has since served as backup pilot for the Gemini 4 flight and backup Commander for the Gemini 9 flight, as well as backup Commander to Neil Armstrong for the Apollo 11 lunar landing mission. On December 4, 1965, he and Frank Borman were launched into space on the history making Gemini 7 mission. The flight lasted 330 hours and 35 minutes and included the first rendezvous of two manned maneuverable spacecraft. The Gemini 12 mission, commanded by Lovell with Pilot Edwin Aldrin, began on November 11, 1966 for a 4-day, 59-revolution flight that brought the Gemini program to a successful close. Lovell served as Command Module Pilot and Navigator on the epic six-day journey of Apollo 8, the first manned Saturn V liftoff responsible for allowing the first humans to leave the gravitational influence of Earth. He completed his fourth mission as Spacecraft Commander of the Apollo 13 flight, April 11-17, 1970, and became the first man to journey twice to the moon. The Apollo 13 mission was cut short due to a failure of the Service Module cryogenic oxygen system. Aborting the lunar course, Lovell and fellow crewmen, John L. Swigert and Fred W. Haise, working closely with Houston ground controllers, converted their lunar module, Aquarius, into an effective lifeboat that got them safely back to Earth. Captain Lovell held the record for time in space with a total of 715 hours and 5 minutes until surpassed by the Skylab flights. On March 1, 1973, Captain Lovell retired from the Navy and the Space Program.
The Apollo 9 Astronauts
Name of Image The Apollo 9 Astronauts
Date of Image 1968-12-19
Full Description Pictured from left to right, the Apollo 9 astronauts, James A. McDivitt, David R. Scott, and Russell L. Schweickart, pause in front of the Apollo/Saturn V space vehicle that would launch the Apollo 8 crew. The launch of the Apollo 9 (Saturn V launch vehicle, SA-504) took place on March 3, 1968. The Apollo 9 spacecraft, in the lunar mission configuration, was tested in Earth orbit. The mission was designed to rehearse all the steps and reproduce all the events of the Apollo 11 mission with the exception of the lunar touchdown, stay, and liftoff. The command and service modules, and the lunar module were used in flight procedures identical to those that would later take similar vehicles to the Moon, and a landing. The flight mechanics, mission support systems, communications, and recording of data were tested in a final round of verification. Astronauts Scott and Schweickart conducted Extravehicular Activity during this mission.
Apollo 8 Astronauts Leave Fo …
Name of Image Apollo 8 Astronauts Leave For Launch Pad
Date of Image 1968-12-21
Full Description Apollo 8 Astronaut and commander Frank Borman leads the way as he and James Lovell, Command Module (CM) pilot, and William Anders, Lunar Module (LM) Pilot head out to the launch pad for the historical first manned Apollo mission to travel to the lunar vicinity, and first manned mission launched via the Saturn V vehicle. Liftoff occurred on December 21, 1968 and returned safely to Earth on December 27, 1968. The mission achieved operational experience and tested the Apollo command module systems, including communications, tracking, and life-support, in cis-lunar space and lunar orbit, and allowed evaluation of crew performance on a lunar orbiting mission. The crew photographed the lunar surface, both far side and near side, obtaining information on topography and landmarks as well as other scientific information necessary for future Apollo landings. All systems operated within allowable parameters and all objectives of the mission were achieved.
Apollo 8 Launch Control Cent …
Name of Image Apollo 8 Launch Control Center Operations
Date of Image 1968-12-21
Full Description This photograph depicts a busy Launch Control Center at Kennedy Space Center during the Apollo 8 mission launch activities. Apollo 8 served as the first manned lunar orbit mission. Liftoff occurred on December 21, 1968 with a three man crew consiting of astronauts Frank Borman, commander, William Anders, Lunar Module (LM) Pilot, and James Lovell, Command Module (CM) pilot. The three safely returned to Earth on December 27, 1968. The mission achieved operational experience and tested the Apollo command module systems, including communications, tracking, and life-support, in cis-lunar space and lunar orbit, and allowed evaluation of crew performance on a lunar orbiting mission. The crew photographed the lunar surface, both far side and near side, obtaining information on topography and landmarks as well as other scientific information necessary for future Apollo landings. All systems operated within allowable parameters and all objectives of the mission were achieved.
Apollo 8 Crew Walk Red Carpe …
Name of Image Apollo 8 Crew Walk Red Carpet of Recovery Ship U.S.S. Yorktown
Date of Image 1968-12-27
Full Description Apollo 8 astronauts and commanding officer of the recovery ship U.S.S. Yorktown walk the red carpet of the flight deck after splashdown recovery in the Pacific Ocean. Apollo 8 served as the first manned lunar orbit mission and the first manned flight of the Saturn V space vehicle, developed by the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Liftoff occurred on December 21, 1968, carrying astronauts Frank Borman, commander, William Anders, Lunar Module (LM) Pilot, and James Lovell, Command Module (CM) pilot. The three safely returned to Earth on December 27, 1968. The mission achieved operational experience and tested the Apollo command module systems, including communications, tracking, and life-support, in cis-lunar space and lunar orbit, and allowed evaluation of crew performance on a lunar orbiting mission. The crew photographed the lunar surface, both far side and near side, obtaining information on topography and landmarks as well as other scientific information necessary for future Apollo landings. All systems operated within allowable parameters and all objectives of the mission were achieved.
Waving Apollo 8 Astronauts L …
Name of Image Waving Apollo 8 Astronauts Leaving Recovery Helicopter
Date of Image 1968-12-27
Full Description Apollo 8 served as the first manned lunar orbit mission. Liftoff occurred on December 21, 1968, carrying a three man crew consisting of astronauts Frank Borman, commander, William Anders, Lunar Module (LM) Pilot, and James Lovell, Command Module (CM) pilot. The three safely returned to Earth on December 27, 1968. In this photograph, the crew members are waving as they leave the recovery helicopter. The mission achieved operational experience and tested the Apollo command module systems, including communications, tracking, and life-support, in cis-lunar space and lunar orbit, and allowed evaluation of crew performance on a lunar orbiting mission. The crew photographed the lunar surface, both far side and near side, obtaining information on topography and landmarks as well as other scientific information necessary for future Apollo landings. All systems operated within allowable parameters and all objectives of the mission were achieved.
Apollo 8 Crew
Name of Image Apollo 8 Crew
Date of Image 1968-11-21
Full Description The Apollo 8 Crew (L to R) Frank Borman, commander, William Anders, Lunar Module (LM) Pilot, and James Lovell, Command Module (CM) pilot pose in front of the Apollo mission simulator during training. The three served as the crew for the first manned Apollo mission launched aboard the Saturn V and first manned Apollo craft to enter lunar orbit. Liftoff occurred on December 21, 1968 with a safe return to Earth on December 27, 1968. The mission achieved operational experience and tested the Apollo command module systems, including communications, tracking, and life-support, in cis-lunar space and lunar orbit, and allowed evaluation of crew performance on a lunar orbiting mission. The crew photographed the lunar surface, both far side and near side, obtaining information on topography and landmarks as well as other scientific information necessary for future Apollo landings. All systems operated within allowable parameters and all objectives of the mission were achieved.
Apollo 8 Commander Frank Bor …
Name of Image Apollo 8 Commander Frank Borman Receives Presidential Call
Date of Image 1968-12-21
Full Description Apollo 8 Astronaut Frank Borman, commander of the first manned Saturn V space flight into Lunar orbit, accepted a phone call from the U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson prior to launch. Borman, along with astronauts William Anders, Lunar Module (LM) pilot, and James Lovell, Command Module (CM) pilot, launched aboard the Apollo 8 mission on December 21, 1968 and returned safely to Earth on December 27, 1968. The mission achieved operational experience and tested the Apollo command module systems, including communications, tracking, and life-support, in cis-lunar space and lunar orbit, and allowed evaluation of crew performance on a lunar orbiting mission. The crew photographed the lunar surface, both far side and near side, obtaining information on topography and landmarks as well as other scientific information necessary for future Apollo landings. All systems operated within allowable parameters and all objectives of the mission were achieved.
Apollo 8 Crew
Name of Image Apollo 8 Crew
Date of Image 1968-09-09
Full Description The Apollo 8 Crew included (L to R) James Lovell, Command Module (CM) pilot, William Anders, Lunar Module (LM) Pilot, and Frank Borman, Commander. The first manned Apollo mission launched aboard the Saturn V and first manned Apollo craft to enter lunar orbit, the SA-503, Apollo 8 mission liftoff occurred on December 21, 1968 and returned safely to Earth on December 27, 1968. The mission achieved operational experience and tested the Apollo command module systems, including communications, tracking, and life-support, in cis-lunar space and lunar orbit, and allowed evaluation of crew performance on a lunar orbiting mission. The crew photographed the lunar surface, both far side and near side, obtaining information on topography and landmarks as well as other scientific information necessary for future Apollo landings. All systems operated within allowable parameters and all objectives of the mission were achieved.
U.S. President Richard Milho …
Name of Image U.S. President Richard Milhous Nixon Watches Apollo 11 Recovery
Date of Image 1969-07-24
Full Description U.S. President Richard Milhous Nixon (center), aboard the U.S.S. Hornet aircraft carrier, used binoculars to watch the Apollo 11 Lunar Mission Recovery. Standing next to the President is astronaut Frank Borman, Apollo 8 Commander. The recovery operation took place in the Pacific Ocean where Navy para-rescue men recovered the capsule housing the 3-man Apollo 11 crew. The crew was airlifted to safety aboard the U.S.S. Hornet where they were quartered in a Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF) for 21 days post mission. The Apollo 11 mission, the first manned lunar mission, launched from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida via the Saturn V launch vehicle on July 16, 1969 and safely returned to Earth on July 24, 1969. The Saturn V vehicle was developed by the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) under the direction of Dr. Wernher von Braun. Aboard were Neil A. Armstrong, commander, Michael Collins, Command Module (CM) pilot, and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., Lunar Module (LM) pilot. The CM, piloted by Michael Collins remained in a parking orbit around the Moon while the LM, named ?Eagle??, carrying astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin, landed on the Moon. Armstrong was the first human to ever stand on the lunar surface, followed by Edwin (Buzz) Aldrin. During 2½ hours of surface exploration, the crew collected 47 pounds of lunar surface material for analysis back on Earth. With the success of Apollo 11, the national objective to land men on the Moon and return them safely to Earth had been accomplished.
Apollo 8 Launch Control Cent …
Name of Image Apollo 8 Launch Control Center Operations
Date of Image 1968-12-21
Full Description This photograph depicts a busy Launch Control Center at Kennedy Space Center during the Apollo 8 mission prelaunch activities. The first manned Apollo mission launched aboard the Saturn V and first manned Apollo craft to enter lunar orbit, the SA-503, Apollo 8 The crew included astronauts Frank Borman, Commander, William Anders, Lunar Module (LM) Pilot, and James Lovell, Command Module (CM) pilot. The three safely returned to Earth on December 27, 1968. The mission achieved operational experience and tested the Apollo command module systems, including communications, tracking, and life-support, in cis-lunar space and lunar orbit, and allowed evaluation of crew performance on a lunar orbiting mission. The crew photographed the lunar surface, both far side and near side, obtaining information necessary for future Apollo landings. All systems operated within allowable parameters and all objectives of the mission were achieved.
Dignitaries Await Apollo 11 …
Name of Image Dignitaries Await Apollo 11 Lift Off
Date of Image 1969-07-16
Full Description From the right, NASA administrator, Dr. Thomas O. Paine talks with U.S. Vice President Spiro T. Agnew while awaiting the launch of Saturn V (AS-506) that carried the Apollo 11 spacecraft to the Moon for man?s historic first landing on the lunar surface. At center is astronaut William Anders, a member of the first crew to orbit the moon during the Apollo 8 mission. At left is Lee B. James, director of Program Management at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) where the Saturn V was developed. The craft lifted off from launch pad 39 at Kennedy Space Flight Center (KSC) on July 16, 1969. The moon bound crew included astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, commander, Michael Collins, Command Module (CM) pilot, and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., Lunar Module (M) pilot. The mission finalized with splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on July 24, 1969. With the success of Apollo 11, the national objective to land men on the Moon and return them safely to Earth had been accomplished.
Earth Above the Lunar Horizo …
Name of Image Earth Above the Lunar Horizon
Date of Image 1969-12-24
Full Description Apollo 8 served as the first manned lunar orbit mission, and the first manned flight of the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) developed Saturn V launch vehicle. Lift off occurred on December 21, 1968, carrying a three man crew consisting of astronauts Frank Borman, commander, William Anders, Lunar Module (LM) Pilot, and James Lovell, Command Module (CM) pilot. The three safely returned to Earth on December 27, 1968. The mission achieved operational experience and tested the Apollo command module systems, including communications, tracking, and life-support, in cis-lunar space and lunar orbit, and allowed evaluation of crew performance on a lunar orbiting mission. The crew photographed the lunar surface, both far side and near side, obtaining information on topography and landmarks as well as other scientific information necessary for future Apollo landings. This photograph of Earth above the lunar horizon is one of many taken by the crew. All systems operated within allowable parameters and all objectives of the mission were achieved.
Apollo 11 Astronauts Share L …
Name of Image Apollo 11 Astronauts Share Laughs With U.S. President Nixon
Date of Image 1969-07-24
Full Description The Apollo 11 mission, the first manned lunar mission, launched from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida via the Saturn V launch vehicle on July 16, 1969 and safely returned to Earth on July 24, 1969. The Saturn V vehicle was developed by the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) under the direction of Dr. Wernher von Braun. Aboard were Neil A. Armstrong, commander, Michael Collins, Command Module (CM) pilot, and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., Lunar Module (LM) pilot. The CM, piloted by Michael Collins remained in a parking orbit around the Moon while the LM, named ?Eagle??, carrying astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin, landed on the Moon. Armstrong was the first human to ever stand on the lunar surface, followed by Edwin (Buzz) Aldrin. During 2½ hours of surface exploration, the crew collected 47 pounds of lunar surface material for analysis back on Earth. The recovery operation took place in the Pacific Ocean where Navy para-rescue men recovered the capsule housing the 3-man Apollo 11 crew. The crew was airlifted to safety aboard the U.S.S. Hornet, where they were quartered in a Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF). Here the quarantined Apollo 11 crew members (l to r) Armstrong, Collins, and Aldrin, and U.S. President Richard Milhous Nixon share laughs over a comment made by fellow astronaut Frank Borman, Apollo 8 commander. The president was aboard the recovery vessel awaiting return of the astronauts. With the success of Apollo 11, the national objective to land men on the Moon and return them safely to Earth had been accomplished.
The Earth Also Rises
Title The Earth Also Rises
Explanation The Lunar Orbiter 1 spacecraft [ http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/database/www-nmc?66-073A ] was launched in 1966 to map the lunar surface [ http://www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/main.html ] in preparation for [ http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/lunartimeline.html ] the Apollo moon landings [ http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/ap11ann/introduction.htm ]. NASA's plucky robotic explorer performed its job well and pioneered this classic view of the Earth [ http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/imgcat/html/object_page/lo1_h102_123.html ] poised above the lunar horizon. The first humans to directly witness a similar [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap000115.html ] scene were the Apollo 8 astronauts [ http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/ apollo-8/apollo-8.html ]. As they orbited the Moon in December of 1968 they also recorded Earth rise in a photograph [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap951225.html ] that was to become one of the most famous images in history - a moving portrait of our world from deep space.
Earthrise from Moon-Orbiting …
Title Earthrise from Moon-Orbiting Kaguya
Explanation What does the Earth look like from the Moon? A new version of this space age perspective [ http://www.abc.net.au/science/moon/earthrise.htm ] was captured by the robotic Kaguya spacecraft [ http://www.selene.jaxa.jp/en/greeting/greeting_e.htm ] currently in orbit around Earth's Moon. Launched two months ago by Japan, the scientific mission [ http://www.selene.jaxa.jp/en/science/of_moon_e.htm ] of the Selenological [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selenology ] and Engineering Explorer (SELENE), nicknamed Kaguya, is to study the origin [ http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tothemoon/origins.html ] and evolution of the Moon [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap010809.html ]. Last month Kaguya [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SELENE ] reached lunar orbit and starting transmitting data and images. This frame [ http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/11/ 20071113_kaguya_e.html ] is from [ http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/11/ 20071107_kaguya_movie_e.html ] Kaguya's onboard HDTV [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDTV ] camera. An astronaut standing on the lunar surface [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap030920.html ] would never actually see the Earth rise, since the Moon always keeps the same side toward the Earth [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap051113.html ]. This Earthrise as well as the famous Earthrise captured 40 years ago [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap051224.html ] by the crew of Apollo 8 [ http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/ apollo8info.html ], only occurs for observers in lunar orbit.
Earth Rise
Title Earth Rise
Explanation During 1968, the Apollo 8 [ http://www.lpi.usra.edu/expmoon/Apollo8/Apollo8.html ] crew flew from the Earth [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap001127.html ] to the Moon [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap010218.html ] and back. The crew, consisting of Frank Borman [ http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/borman-f.html ], James Lovell [ http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/lovell-ja.html ], and William Anders [ http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/anders-wa.html ], were launched atop a Saturn V rocket [ http://www.apollosaturn.com/frame-sv.htm ] on December 21, circled the Moon ten times in their command module, and landed back on Earth on December 27. The Apollo 8 [ http://www.nasm.edu/apollo/AS08/a08.htm ] mission's impressive list of firsts includes: the first humans to journey to the Earth's Moon [ http://www.nineplanets.org/luna.html ], the first manned flight using the Saturn V [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap010525.html ], and the first to photograph the Earth from deep space. The famous picture above [ http://images.jsc.nasa.gov/images/pao/AS8/10074963.htm ], showing the Earth rising above [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap010713.html ] the Moon's limb as seen from lunar orbit, was a marvelous gift to the world.
Earth Rise
Title Earth Rise
Explanation During the 1968 Christmas season Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders flew the Apollo 8 [ http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-8/ apollo-8.html ] command module From the Earth to the Moon [ http://www.w3.org/hypertext/DataSources/bySubject/ Literature/Gutenberg/etext93/moon10.txt ] and back (launched Dec. 21, achieved 10 lunar orbits, landed Dec. 27). The Apollo 8 [ http://www.nasm.edu/APOLLO/AS08/Apollo8_fact.html ] mission's impressive list of firsts includes, the first manned flight using the Saturn V rocket [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap950829.html ], the first humans to journey to the Earth's Moon [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap951128.html ], and the first to photograph the Earth from deep space [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap950819.html ]. The famous picture above [ http://images.jsc.nasa.gov/images/pao/AS8/10074963.htm ], showing the Earth rising above the Moon's limb as seen from lunar orbit, was a marvelous gift to the world. This was astronaut James Lovell's third mission. His last flight would be as commander of Apollo 13 [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap950708.html ].
Explanation: The Lunar Orbit …
Title Explanation: The Lunar Orbiter 1 spacecraft [ http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/database/www-nmc?66-073A ] was launched in 1966 to map the lunar surface [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/lib/moon.html ] in preparation for [ http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/lunartimeline.html ] the Apollo moon landings [ http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/apollo.html ]. NASA's plucky robotic explorer performed its job well and pioneered this classic view of the Earth [ http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/imgcat/html/object_page/lo1_h102_123.html ] poised above the lunar horizon. The first humans to directly witness a similar [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap951117.html ] scene were the Apollo 8 astronauts [ http://www.nasm.edu/APOLLO/AS08/Apollo8_fact.html]. As they orbited the Moon in December of 1968 they also recorded Earth rise in a photograph [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap951225.html ] that was to become one of the most famous images in history - a moving portrait of our world from deep space.
Earthrise
Title Earthrise
Explanation In December of 1968, the Apollo 8 [ http://www.lpi.usra.edu/expmoon/Apollo8/Apollo8.html ] crew flew from the Earth to the Moon [ http://jv.gilead.org.il/pg/moon/ ] and back again. Frank Borman [ http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/ borman-f.html ], James Lovell [ http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/ lovell-ja.html ], and William Anders [ http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/ anders-wa.html ] were launched atop a Saturn V rocket [ http://www.apollosaturn.com/saturnv.htm ] on December 21, circled the Moon ten times in their command module, and returned to Earth on December 27. The Apollo 8 [ http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/database/ MasterCatalog?sc=1968-118A ] mission's impressive list of firsts includes: the first humans to journey to the Earth's Moon [ http://www.nineplanets.org/luna.html ], the first manned flight using the Saturn V [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap010525.html ], and the first to photograph [ http://www.lpi.usra.edu/expmoon/Apollo8/ A08_Photography.html ] the Earth from deep space. As the Apollo 8 command module rounded the farside of the Moon, the crew could look toward the lunar horizon [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap010713.html ] and see the Earth appear to rise, due to their spacecraft's orbital motion. The famous picture [ http://www.abc.net.au/science/moon/earthrise.htm ] that resulted, of a distant blue Earth [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap030426.html ] above the Moon's limb, was a marvelous gift to the world.
The Millennium that Defined …
Title The Millennium that Defined Earth
Explanation When the second millennium [ http://wire.ap.org/APpackages/millennium/ ] began [ http://www.billennium.com/b/bc-frame.htm ], people generally knew that the Earth was round [ http://id-www.ucsb.edu/fscf/library/RUSSELL/FlatEarth.html ], but few saw much of it beyond their local village. As the millennium [ http://www.pathfinder.com/Life/millennium/people/01.html ] progressed, humans mapped the continents [ http://portico.bl.uk/exhibitions/maps/ ], circumnavigated the globe [ http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1519magellan.html ], and determined the composition of the Earth [ http://www.seismo.unr.edu/ftp/pub/louie/class/plate/composition.html ]. The Earth started as the center of everything [ http://www.nasm.edu/ceps/etp/discovery/disc_ancient.html ], but became a planet placed in the Solar System [ http://www.seds.org/nineplanets/nineplanets/overview.html ], which became placed in a Galaxy [ http://www.windows.umich.edu/cgi-bin/tour_def/the_universe/Milkyway.html ], which became placed in the Local Group of Galaxies [ http://www.seds.org/messier/more/local.html ], which became placed in an expanse so vast we call it just the Universe [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap990905.html ]. As millennium two ends [ http://www.mille.org/ ] people generally know what Earth looks like from afar [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap951225.html ], and how it is that all of humanity [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap991231.html http://www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/History_n2/a.html ] is confined [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap960630.html ] to the surface of this fragile and watery globe [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap980530.html ].
An Earth Ornament
Title An Earth Ornament
Explanation The Apollo 8 [ http://www.nasm.edu/apollo/AS08/ ] astronauts spent the 1968 Christmas Season orbiting the Moon [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap951225.html ], returning with striking images of both Moon and Earth from space - pictures which inspired the world. While in lunar orbit in 1994, the prospecting Clementine spacecraft [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap961204.html ] also turned its cameras toward the home world and the result was this mosaic of 70 high resolution images [ http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/imgcat/html/object_page/clm_earth_mos.html ] of our planet from a cosmic perspective [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap980904.html ]. The swirling clouds and dramatic colors give the Earth [ http://terra.nasa.gov/ ] the appearance of a delicate, painted ornament hanging in space. Best Wishes and Seasons Greetings from Astronomy Picture Of The Day!
High altitude oblique view o …
Title High altitude oblique view of lunar surface taken from Apollo 8 spacecraft
Description High altitude oblique view of the lunar surface was taken from the Apollo 8 spacecraft looking northeastward. The crater Joliet-Curie, about 175 kilometers in diameter and centered near 94 degrees east longitude and 27 degrees north latitude, is near the center of the left side of this photograph. The bright-rayed crater near the horizon is probably located near 105 degrees east longitude and 45 degrees north latitude. Long, narrow rays that have been reported in the polar region of the earth-facing hemisphere may radiate from this crater.
Date 12.24.1968
View of lunar surface taken …
Title View of lunar surface taken from Apollo 8 spacecraft
Description View of the lunar surface taken from the Apollo 8 spacecraft looking southward from high altitude across the Southern Sea. The bright-rayed crater near the horizon is located near 130 degrees east longitude and 70 degrees south latitude. The dark floored crater near the middle of the right side of the photograph is about 70 kilometers (45 statute miles) in diameter. Both features are beyond the eastern limb of the moon as viewed from earth, neither has a name.
Date 12.24.1968
APOLLO 8 - EARTH RISE
Title APOLLO 8 - EARTH RISE
View of the Saturn V third s …
Title View of the Saturn V third stage from which the Apollo 8 has separated
Description Photograph taken from the Apollo 8 spacecraft looking back at the Saturn V thir (S-IVB) stage from which the spacecraft had just separated following translunar injection. Attached to the S-IVB is the Lunar Module Test Article (LTA) which simulated the mass of a Lunar Module on the Apollo 8 lunar orbit mission. Sunlight reflected from small particles shows the "firefly" phenomenon which was reported during first earth orbital flight of Mercury program.
Date Taken 1968-12-21
Photograph of nearly full mo …
Title Photograph of nearly full moon taken from Apollo 8
Description Photograph of nearly full moon taken from the Apollo 8 spacecraft at a point above 70 degrees east longitude. Mare Crisium, the circular, dark-colored area near the center is near the eastern edge of the moon as viewed from Earth. Mare Nectaris is the ciruclar mare near the terminator. The large, irregular maria are Tranquillitatis and highlands to the south. Lunar farside features occupy most of the right half of the picture. The large, dark-colored crater Tsiolkovsky is near the limb at the lower right. Conspicuous bright rays radiate from two large craters, one to the north of Tsiolkovsky, the other near the limb in the upper half of the picture. The crater Langrenus is near the center of the picture at the eastern edge of Mare Fecunditatis.
Date Taken 1968-12-22
Southeastern United States a …
Title Southeastern United States and Caribbean Sea from Apollo 8 spacecraft
Description Most of the southeastern United States and Caribbean Sea, the U.S. coastline from Chesapeake Bay to the Florida peninsula can be seen from the Apollo 8 spacecraft in orbit above the Earth. The Bahamas and the Islands of Cuba, Jamaica, Hispiniola and Puerto Rico extend across the Caribbean. The light blue of the shallow Bahama banks contrasts with the darker hue of the deeper water especially in the Tongue of the Ocean area.
Date Taken 1968-12-22
High altitude oblique view o …
Title High altitude oblique view of lunar surface taken from Apollo 8 spacecraft
Description High altitude oblique view of the lunar surface was taken from the Apollo 8 spacecraft looking northeastward. The crater Joliet-Curie, about 175 kilometers in diameter and centered near 94 degrees east longitude and 27 degrees north latitude, is near the center of the left side of this photograph. The bright-rayed crater near the horizon is probably located near 105 degrees east longitude and 45 degrees north latitude. Long, narrow rays that have been reported in the polar region of the earth-facing hemisphere may radiate from this crater.
Date Taken 1968-12-24
View of earth visible from A …
Title View of earth visible from Apollo 8 spacecraft during lunar orbital mission
Description View of the earth as photographed by the Apollo 8 astronauts during their lunar orbital mission. North is about five percent to the right of vertical center. The sunset terminator crosses North America and South America. Clouds cover most of the United States. Only the desert southwest and Florida are clear.
Date Taken 1968-12-22
View of the Saturn V third s …
Title View of the Saturn V third stage from which the Apollo 8 has separated
Description Photograph taken from the Apollo 8 spacecraft looking back at the Saturn V thir (S-IVB) stage from which the spacecraft had just separated following translunar injection. Attached to the S-IVB is the Lunar Module Test Article (LTA) which simulated the mass of a Lunar Module on the Apollo 8 lunar orbit mission. Sunlight reflected from small particles shows the "firefly" phenomenon which was reported during first earth orbital flight of Mercury program.
Date Taken 1968-12-21
High-oblique view of Moon's …
Title High-oblique view of Moon's surface showing earth rising above horizon
Description High-oblique view of the moon's surface showing the earth rising above the lunar horizon, looking west-southwest, as photographed from the Apollo 8 spacecraft as it orbited the moon. The center of the picture is located at about 105 degrees east longitude and 13 degrees south latitude. The lunar surface probably has less pronounced color than indicated by this print.
Date Taken 1968-12-22
Both sides of the Atlantic O …
Title Both sides of the Atlantic Ocean are visible from Apollo 8 spacecraft
Description Both sides of the Atlantic Ocean are visible in this view from the Apollo 8 spacecraft. The large, most prominent, land mass is the bulge of west Africa. The portion of Africa near the equator is dark and cloudy, but the more northerly portions are clear, showing the prominent cape at Dakar and the Senegal River in Senegal, Cap Blanc, the Adrar Plateau in Mauritania, the wide expanse of desert in Algeria and Spanish Sahara, and at the far edge, the Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Clouds cover the eastern coast of South America, southward from Surinam and Guyana to near the City of Salvador, Brazil. This view was taken after tranlunar insertion.
Date Taken 1968-12-22
View of earth during return …
Title View of earth during return from moon taken from Apollo 8 spacecraft
Description View of the earth as photographed by the Apollo 8 astronauts on their return trip from the moon. Note that the terminator is straighter than on the outbound pictures. The terminator crosses Australia. India is visible. The sun reflection is within the Indian Ocean.
Date Taken 1968-12-24
Entire Western Hemisphere vi …
Title Entire Western Hemisphere visible from Apollo 8 spacecraft
Description A striking view from the Apollo 8 spacecraft showing nearly the entire Western Hemisphere, from the mouth of the St. Lawrence River, including nearby Newfoundland, extending to Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America. Central America is clearly outlined. Nearly all of South America is covered by clouds, except the high Andes Mountain chain along the west coast. A small portion of the bulge of west Africa shows along the sunset terminator.
Date Taken 1968-12-22
View of lunar surface taken …
Title View of lunar surface taken from Apollo 8 spacecraft
Description View of the lunar surface taken from the Apollo 8 spacecraft looking southward from high altitude across the Southern Sea. The bright-rayed crater near the horizon is located near 130 degrees east longitude and 70 degrees south latitude. The dark floored crater near the middle of the right side of the photograph is about 70 kilometers (45 statute miles) in diameter. Both features are beyond the eastern limb of the moon as viewed from earth, neither has a name.
Date Taken 1968-12-24
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