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Apollo 8 Capsule Hoisted Ont
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| 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. |
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F-1 Engine
| Name of Image |
F-1 Engine |
| Date of Image |
1963-01-01 |
| Full Description |
A close-up view of the F-1 Engine for the Saturn V S-IC (first) stage depicts the complexity of the engine. Developed by Rocketdyne under the direction of the Marshall Space Flight Center, the F-1 engine was utilized in a cluster of five engines to propel the Saturn V's first stage, the S-IC. Liquid oxygen and kerosene were used as its propellant. Initially rated at 1,500,000 pounds of thrust, the engine was later uprated to 1,522,000 pounds of thrust after the third Saturn V launch (Apollo 8, the first marned Saturn V mission) in December 1968. The cluster of five F-1 engines burned over 15 tons of propellant per second, during its two and one-half minutes of operation, to take the vehicle to a height of about 36 miles and to a speed of about 6,000 miles per hour. |
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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. |
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Saturn V S-IC (First) Stage
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| 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. |
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Saturn V S-IC (First) Stage
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| 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. |
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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. |
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Apollo 11 Astronauts Review
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| 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. |
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Montage of Apollo Crew Patch
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| 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. |
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Official Portrait of Astrona
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| Name of Image |
Official Portrait of Astronaut Frank Borman |
| Date of Image |
1964-09-09 |
| Full Description |
This is the official portrait of astronaut Frank Borman. A career Air Force officer from 1950, his assignments included service as a fighter pilot, an operational pilot and instructor, an experimental test pilot and an assistant professor of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics at West Point. When selected by NASA, Frank Borman was an instructor at the Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards AFB, California. In 1967 he served as a member of the Apollo 204 Fire Investigation Board, investigating the causes of the fire which killed three astronauts aboard an Apollo spacecraft. Later he became the Apollo Program Resident Manager, heading the team that reengineered the Apollo spacecraft. He also served as Field Director of the NASA Space Station Task Force. Frank Borman retired from the air Force in 1970, but is well remembered as a part of American history as a pioneer in the exploration of space. He is a veteran of both the Gemini 7, 1965 Space Orbital Rendezvous with Gemini 6 and the first manned lunar orbital mission, Apollo 8, in 1968. |
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F-1 Engine
| Name of Image |
F-1 Engine |
| Date of Image |
1960-01-01 |
| Full Description |
This chart provides the vital statistics for the F-1 rocket engine. Developed by Rocketdyne, under the direction of the Marshall Space Flight Center, the F-1 engine was utilized in a cluster of five engines to propel the Saturn V's first stage, the S-IC. Liquid oxygen and kerosene were used as its propellant. Initially rated at 1,500,000 pounds of thrust, the engine was later uprated to 1,522,000 pounds of thrust after the third Saturn V launch (Apollo 8, the first marned Saturn V mission) in December 1968. The cluster of five F-1 engines burned over 15 tons of propellant per second, during its two and one-half minutes of operation, to take the vehicle to a height of about 36 miles and to a speed of about 6,000 miles per hour. |
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F-1 Engine
| Name of Image |
F-1 Engine |
| Date of Image |
1964-01-01 |
| Full Description |
This close-up view of the F-1 engine for the Saturn V S-IC (first) stage shows the engine's complexity, and also its large size as it dwarfs the technician. Developed by Rocketdyne, under the direction of the Marshall Space Flight Center, the F-1 engine was utilized in a cluster of five engines to propel the Saturn V's first stage, the S-IC. Liquid oxygen and kerosene were used as its propellant. Initially rated at 1,500,000 pounds of thrust, the engine was later uprated to 1,522,000 pounds of thrust after the third Saturn V launch (Apollo 8, the first marned Saturn V mission) in December 1968. The cluster of five F-1 engines burned over 15 tons of propellant per second, during its two and one-half minutes of operation, to take the vehicle to a height of about 36 miles and to a speed of about 6,000 miles per hour. |
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Astronaut James Lovell Offic
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| 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. |
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Astronaut William Anders Off
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| Name of Image |
Astronaut William Anders Official Portrait |
| Date of Image |
1967-09-09 |
| Full Description |
This is the official NASA portrait of astronaut William Anders. Anders was commissioned in the air Force after graduation from the Naval Academy and served as a fighter pilot in all-weather interception squadrons of the Air Defense Command. Later he was responsible for technical management of nuclear power reactor shielding and radiation effects programs while at the Air Force Weapons Laboratory in New Mexico. In 1964, Anders was selected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as an astronaut with responsibilities for dosimetry, radiation effects and environmental controls. He was backup pilot for the Gemini XI, Apollo 11 flights, and served as lunar module (LM) pilot for Apollo 8, the first lunar orbit mission in December 1968. He has logged more than 6,000 hours flying time. |
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Searchlights Illuminate Apol
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| Name of Image |
Searchlights Illuminate Apollo 8 on Pad 39-A |
| Date of Image |
1968-12-20 |
| Full Description |
Searchlights penetrate the darkness surrounding Apollo 8 on Pad 39-A at Kennedy Space Center. This mission was the first manned flight using the Saturn V. The towering 363-foot Saturn V was a multi-stage, multi-engine launch vehicle standing taller than the Statue of Liberty. Altogether, the Saturn V engines produced as much power as 85 Hoover Dams. |
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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. |
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Apollo 8 Astronauts Leave Fo
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| 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. |
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Apollo 8 Launch Control Cent
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| 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. |
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Apollo 8 Crew Walk Red Carpe
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| 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. |
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Waving Apollo 8 Astronauts L
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| 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. |
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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. |
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Apollo 8 Commander Frank Bor
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| 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. |
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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. |
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U.S. President Richard Milho
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| 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. |
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Apollo 8 Launch Control Cent
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| 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. |
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Dignitaries Await Apollo 11
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| 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. |
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Earth Above the Lunar Horizo
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| 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. |
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Apollo 11 Astronauts Share L
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| 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. |
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APOLLO 8: Birth of a Machine
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| Title |
APOLLO 8: Birth of a Machine (pt 1/2) |
| Description |
This clip shows the launch of APOLLO 8: The "Birth of a Machine" and begins to reveal the origin of its components. From the film documentary 'APOLLO 8:"Debrief"': part of a documentary series made in the early 70's on the APOLLO missions, and narrated by Burgess Meredith. (Actual date created is not known at this time) First manned Saturn V flight with Frank Borman, James A. Lovell, Jr.,and william A. Anders. First manned lunar orbit mission, provided a close-up look at the moon during 10 lunar orbits. Mission Duration 147hrs. 0 min. 42s. |
| Date |
01.23.1974 |
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APOLLO 8: Birth of a Machine
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| Title |
APOLLO 8: Birth of a Machine (Pt 2/2) |
| Description |
Part 2 of the clip 'Birth of a machine'. This clip reveals the origins of the major components of the mission. From the film documentary 'APOLLO 8:"Debrief": part of a documentary series made in the early 70's on the APOLLO missions, and narrated by Burgess Meredith. (Actual date created is not known at this time) APOLLO 8: First manned Saturn V flight with Frank Borman, James A. Lovell, Jr., and william A. Anders. First manned lunar orbit mission, provided a close-up look at the moon during 10 lunar orbits. Mission Duration 147hrs 0m 42s |
| Date |
01.23.1974 |
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APOLLO 8: It's Christmas in
…
| Title |
APOLLO 8: It's Christmas in zero gravity... |
| Description |
Astronauts and ground control consider how Santa is going to gain access to the command module... From the film documentary 'APOLLO 8:"Debrief": part of a documentary series made in the early 70's on the APOLLO missions, and narrated by Burgess Meredith. (Actual date created is not known at this time) First manned Saturn V flight with Frank Borman, James A. Lovell, Jr.,and william A. Anders. First manned lunar orbit mission, provided a close-up look at the moon during 10 lunar orbits. Mission Duration 147hrs 0m 42s |
| Date |
01.23.1974 |
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -
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| Description |
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Former astronaut Jim Lovell acknowledges the applause as he is introduced as a previous inductee into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. He and other Hall of Fame members were present for the induction of five new space program heroes into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame: Richard O. Covey, commander of the Hubble Space Telescope repair mission, Norman E. Thagard, the first American to occupy Russia?s Mir space station, the late Francis R. "Dick" Scobee, commander of the ill-fated 1986 Challenger mission, Kathryn D. Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space, and Frederick D. Gregory, the first African-American to command a space mission and the current NASA deputy administrator. Lovell piloted Gemini 7, commanded Gemini 12, orbited the Moon on Apollo 8 and commanded the aborted Apollo 13 moon flight. The induction ceremony was held at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at KSC. The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The five inductees join 52 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs. |
| Release Date |
05/01/2004 |
|
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -
…
| Description |
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- - Launch Umbilical Tower No. 1 (LUT-1) stored in the Industrial Area of KSC is being demolished with a Caterpillar excavator and 48-inch shear attachment. Seen is the base of tower, the upright tower extended more than 398 feet above the launch pad. The LUT-1 was part of the launch system used for Apollo-Saturn V, launching Apollo 8, Apollo 11, Skylab manned missions and the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. The shear is one used in the deconstruction of the Twin Towers in New York City after 9/11. |
| Release Date |
03/24/2004 |
|
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -
…
| Description |
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Launch Umbilical Tower No. 1 (LUT-1), stored in the Industrial Area of KSC, is being demolished using a Caterpillar excavator and 48-inch shear attachment. Seen is the base of tower, the upright tower extended more than 398 feet above the launch pad. The LUT-1 was part of the launch system used for Apollo-Saturn V, launching Apollo 8, Apollo 11, Skylab manned missions and the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. The shear being used for demolition is one used in the deconstruction of the Twin Towers in New York City after 9/11. |
| Release Date |
03/24/2004 |
|
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -
…
| Description |
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Looking like a prehistoric monster crunching on its prey, the Caterpillar excavator and 48-inch shear attachment tear down Launch Umbilical Tower No. 1 (LUT-1) stored in the Industrial Area of KSC. The LUT-1 was part of the launch system used for Apollo-Saturn V, launching Apollo 8, Apollo 11, Skylab manned missions and the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. The shear is one used in the deconstruction of the Twin Towers in New York City after 9/11. |
| Release Date |
03/24/2004 |
|
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -
…
| Description |
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Looking like a prehistoric monster crunching on its prey, the Caterpillar excavator and 48-inch shear attachment tear down Launch Umbilical Tower No. 1 (LUT-1) stored in the Industrial Area of KSC. The LUT-1 was part of the launch system used for Apollo-Saturn V, launching Apollo 8, Apollo 11, Skylab manned missions and the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. The shear is one used in the deconstruction of the Twin Towers in New York City after 9/11. |
| Release Date |
03/24/2004 |
|
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 |
|
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. |
| Date Taken |
1968-12-21 |
|
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 |
|
Apollo 8 prime crew in foreg
…
| Title |
Apollo 8 prime crew in foreground as spacecraft leaves VAB on way to pad |
| Description |
The Apollo 8 prime crew stand in the foreground as the Apollo 8 (Spacecraft 103/Saturn 503) spacecraft leaves the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) on way to Pad A, Launch Complex 39. The Saturn V stack and its mobile launch tower are atop a crawler-transporter. The Apollo 8 crew consists of (left to right) Astronauts Frank Borman, commander, James A. Lovell Jr., command module pilot, and William A. Anders, lunar module pilot. |
| Date Taken |
1968-10-09 |
|
Apollo 8 spacecraft on way f
…
| Title |
Apollo 8 spacecraft on way from VAB to Pad A, Launch Complex 39 |
| Description |
The Apollo 8 (Spacecraft 103/Saturn 503) space vehicle on way from Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to Pad A, Launch Complex 39. The Saturn V stack and its mobile launch tower are atop a huge crawler-transporter (aerial view, looking toward Pad A). |
| Date Taken |
1968-10-09 |
|
Apollo 8 vehicle on way to P
…
| Title |
Apollo 8 vehicle on way to Pad A, Launch Complex 39 |
| Description |
The Apollo 8 (Spacecraft 103/Saturn 503) space vehicle on way from Kennedy Soace Center's Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to Pad A, Launch Complex 39. The Saturn V stack and its mobile launch tower are atop a huge crawler-transporter (ground-level view, looking across water, with VAB on left) (49404), Apollo 8 spacecraft on way to launch pad (ground level view, looking across water at mobile launch tower) (49405). |
| Date Taken |
1968-10-09 |
|
Apollo 8 vehicle on way to P
…
| Title |
Apollo 8 vehicle on way to Pad A, Launch Complex 39 |
| Description |
The Apollo 8 (Spacecraft 103/Saturn 503) space vehicle on way from Kennedy Soace Center's Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to Pad A, Launch Complex 39. The Saturn V stack and its mobile launch tower are atop a huge crawler-transporter (ground-level view, looking across water, with VAB on left) (49404), Apollo 8 spacecraft on way to launch pad (ground level view, looking across water at mobile launch tower) (49405). |
| Date Taken |
1968-10-09 |
|
Artist's concept of Apollo 8
…
| Title |
Artist's concept of Apollo 8 command/service module heading for the moon |
| Description |
North American Rockwell artist's concept illustrating a phase of the scheduled Apollo 8 lunar orbit mission. Here, the Apollo 8 spacecraft command and service modules, still attached to the Satury V third (S-IVB) stage, heads for the moon at a speed of about 24,300 miles an hour. |
| Date Taken |
1968-12-02 |
|
Artist's concept of Apollo 8
…
| Title |
Artist's concept of Apollo 8 start thrust engine and head for home |
| Description |
North American Rockwell artist's concept illustrating a phase of the scheduled Apollo 8 lunar orbit mission. Here, after 20 hours of lunar orbit, Apollo 8 astronauts start the 20,500 lb. thrust engine and head for home. |
| Date Taken |
1968-12-02 |
|
Artist's concept of Apollo 8
…
| Title |
Artist's concept of Apollo 8 lunar module adapter panels are jettisoned |
| Description |
North American Rockwell artist's concept illustrating a phase of the scheduled Apollo 8 lunar orbit mission. Here, the Apollo 8 spacecraft lunar module adapter (SLA) panels, are jettisoned. |
| Date Taken |
1968-12-02 |
|
Ground level view of Apollo
…
| Title |
Ground level view of Apollo 8 space vehicle at Pad A, Launch Complex 38 |
| Description |
Ground level view of Apollo 8 (Spacecraft 103/Saturn 503) space vehicle at Pad A, Launch Complex 38, Kennedy Space Center. The Apollo 8 stack was photographed during a prelaunch alert-mobile service structure pull back. Mobile launch tower is on left and mobile service structure on right. |
| Date Taken |
1968-12-17 |
|
Launch of Apollo 8 lunar orb
…
| Title |
Launch of Apollo 8 lunar orbit mission |
| Description |
The Apollo 8 (Spacecraft 103/Saturn 503) space vehicle launched from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, at 7:51 a.m., December 21, 1968. This view is from top of mobile launch tower. |
| Date Taken |
1968-12-21 |
|
Clifford Charlesworth seated
…
| Title |
Clifford Charlesworth seated at his console in Mission Control Room |
| Description |
Clifford E. Charlesworth, Apollo 8 "Green Team" Flight Director, is seated at his console in Mission Operations Control Room in the Mission Control Center, bldg 30, during the launch of the Apollo 8 (Spacecraft 103/Saturn 503) manned lunar orbit space mission. |
| Date Taken |
1968-12-21 |
|
Launch of Apollo 8 lunar orb
…
| Title |
Launch of Apollo 8 lunar orbit mission |
| Description |
The Apollo 8 (Spacecraft 103/Saturn 503) space vehicle launched from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, at 7:51 a.m., December 21, 1968. |
| Date Taken |
1968-12-21 |
|
Launch of Apollo 8 lunar orb
…
| Title |
Launch of Apollo 8 lunar orbit mission |
| Description |
The Apollo 8 (Spacecraft 103/Saturn 503) space vehicle launched from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, at 7:51 a.m., December 21, 1968. In this view there is water in the foreground and seagulls. |
| Date Taken |
1968-12-21 |
|
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