Earth on the Lunar Horizon During the Apollo 11 Mission
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
Earth on the lunar horizon during the Apollo 11 mission, which was the first space mission where humans set foot on another celestial body, the Moon. Launched from Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 fired the third stage engines two and half hours after launch to leave Earth's gravitational pull. The mission was highlighted by the first lunar landing by human beings and Mission Commander Neil Armstrong's (1930-2012) descent from the Lunar Module (LM) to place his foot on the surface of the Moon. He and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-) spent less than 22 hours on the Moon, including two and half hours outside Eagle, their Lunar Module. The crew, which also included Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-), returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
Original color photographic print, Jul 1969: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Chronopoints
John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida
Apollo 11's ascent from the Moon. Apollo 11 was the first space mission where humans set foot on another celestial body, the Moon. Launched from Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 fired the third stage engines two and half hours after launch to leave Earth's gravitational pull. The mission was highlighted by the first lunar landing by human beings and Mission Commander Neil Armstrong's (1930-2012) descent from the Lunar Module (LM) to place his foot on the surface of the Moon. He and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-) spent less than 22 hours on the Moon, including two and half hours outside Eagle, their Lunar Module. The crew, which also included Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-), returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
Original color photographic print, July 21, 1969: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Mission Commander Neil Armstrong (1930-2012), Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-), and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-) in front of their Saturn V on Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. Apollo 11 was the first space mission where humans set foot on another celestial body, the Moon. Launched from Launch Pad 39A on July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 fired the third stage engines two and half hours after launch to leave Earth's gravitational pull. The mission was highlighted by the first lunar landing by human beings and Armstrong's descent from the Lunar Module (LM) to place his foot on the surface of the Moon. He and Aldrin spent less than 22 hours on the Moon, including two and half hours outside Eagle, their Lunar Module. The crew returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
Original color photographic print, May 20, 1969: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Apollo 11 Crew Breakfast at John F. Kennedy Space Center Before Flight
The Apollo 11 crew breakfast with Deke Slayton (1924-1993) (1924-1993), a Mercury Seven astronaut himself, and William Anders (1933-). Shown in the photograph, left front to right front, are Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-), Mission Commander Neil Armstrong (1930-2012), Anders, Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-), and Director of Flight Crew Operations Slayton. Apollo 11 was the first space mission where humans set foot on another celestial body, the Moon. Launched from Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 fired the third stage engines two and half hours after launch to leave Earth's gravitational pull. The mission was highlighted by the first lunar landing by human beings and Armstrong's descent from the Lunar Module (LM) to place his foot on the surface of the Moon. He and Aldrin spent less than 22 hours on the Moon, including two and half hours outside Eagle, their Lunar Module. The crew returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
Original color photographic print, July 16, 1969: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Manned Spacecraft Operations Building, John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida
The Apollo 11 crew, Mission Commander Neil Armstrong's (1930-2012) and either Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-) or Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-), boarding the Apollo 11 spacecraft from the Launch Umbilical Tower (LUT) elevator at Launch Pad 39A of John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida. Also appearing in this photograph is an unidentified pad worker. Apollo 11 was the first space mission where humans set foot on another celestial body, the Moon. Launched from Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 fired the third stage engines two and half hours after launch to leave Earth's gravitational pull. The mission was highlighted by the first lunar landing by human beings and Armstrong's descent from the Lunar Module (LM) to place his foot on the surface of the Moon. He and Aldrin spent less than 22 hours on the Moon, including two and half hours outside Eagle, their Lunar Module. The crew returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
Apollo 11 Crew Entering the Transfer Van to Launch Pad 39A
The Apollo 11 crew, led by Mission Commander Neil Armstrong's (1930-2012), Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-), and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-), exiting the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building (MSOB) to board the transfer van to Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. Apollo 11 was the first space mission where humans set foot on another celestial body, the Moon. Launched from Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 fired the third stage engines two and half hours after launch to leave Earth's gravitational pull. The mission was highlighted by the first lunar landing by human beings and Armstrong's descent from the Lunar Module (LM) to place his foot on the surface of the Moon. He and Aldrin spent less than 22 hours on the Moon, including two and half hours outside Eagle, their Lunar Module. The crew returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
Quarantined Apollo 11 Crew with President Richard Nixon Aboard the USS Hornet
Nixon, Richard M. (Richard Milhous), 1913-1994
After being recovered in the Pacific Ocean, the Apollo 11 crew was placed into a mobile quarantine unit in case of infection by unknown source on the Moon. This proved to be unnecessary and was discontinued later in Project Apollo. In this photograph, President Richard Nixon (1913-1994) greeted the astronauts on the USS Hornet shortly after they were placed in quarantine. Apollo 11 was the first space mission where humans set foot on another celestial body, the Moon. Launched from Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 fired the third stage engines two and half hours after launch to leave Earth's gravitational pull. The mission was highlighted by the first lunar landing by human beings and Mission Commander Neil Armstrong's (1930-2012) descent from the Lunar Module (LM) to place his foot on the surface of the Moon. He and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-) spent less than 22 hours on the Moon, including two and half hours outside Eagle, their Lunar Module. The crew, which also included Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-), returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
Original color photographic print, July 24, 1969: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Apollo 11 Crew in the Mobile Quarantine Facility
Apollo 11 astronauts in the Mobile Quarantine Facility used to transport them from landing site in the North Pacific Ocean to Houston, Texas. Photographed from left to right are Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-), Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-), and Mission Commander Neil Armstrong (1930-2012). Apollo 11 was the first space mission where humans set foot on another celestial body, the Moon. Launched from Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 fired the third stage engines two and half hours after launch to leave Earth's gravitational pull. The mission was highlighted by the first lunar landing by human beings and Armstrong's descent from the Lunar Module (LM) to place his foot on the surface of the Moon. He and Aldrin spent less than 22 hours on the Moon, including two and half hours outside Eagle, their Lunar Module. The crew returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
Original color photographic print, July 26, 1969: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Hickam Air Force Base, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Offloading the Apollo 11 Crew in the Mobile Quarantine Facility
The mobile quarantine facility being offloaded from the USS Hornet at Hickam Air Force Base (present-day Hickam Field) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to be flown directly to Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, Texas. Apollo 11 was the first space mission where humans set foot on another celestial body, the Moon. Launched from Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 fired the third stage engines two and half hours after launch to leave Earth's gravitational pull. The mission was highlighted by the first lunar landing by human beings and Mission Commander Neil Armstrong's (1930-2012) descent from the Lunar Module (LM) to place his foot on the surface of the Moon. He and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-) spent less than 22 hours on the Moon, including two and half hours outside Eagle, their Lunar Module. The crew, which also included Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-), returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
President Richard Nixon Greeting the Apollo 11 Crew Aboard the USS Hornet
Original black and white photographic print, July 24, 1969: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-) on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission. Aldrin was the second man to set foot on the Moon, and was in most of the famous photographs taken by Mission Commander Neil Armstrong (1930-2012) celestial body, the Moon. Launched from Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 fired the third stage engines two and half hours after launch to leave Earth's gravitational pull. The mission was highlighted by the first lunar landing by human beings and Armstrong's descent from the Lunar Module (LM) to place his foot on the surface of the Moon. He and Aldrin spent less than 22 hours on the Moon, including two and half hours outside Eagle, their Lunar Module. The crew, which also included Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-), returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
Original black and white photographic prints, July 20, 1969: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Apollo 11 Crew on the USS Hornet After Recovery
The Apollo 11 crew on the USS Hornet after splashdown and recovery. Photographed from left to right in quarantine suits are Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-), Mission Commander Neil Armstrong's (1930-2012), and Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-). Apollo 11 was the first space mission where humans set foot on another celestial body, the Moon. Launched from Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 fired the third stage engines two and half hours after launch to leave Earth's gravitational pull. The mission was highlighted by the first lunar landing by human beings and Armstrong's descent from the Lunar Module (LM) to place his foot on the surface of the Moon. He and Aldrin spent less than 22 hours on the Moon, including two and half hours outside Eagle, their Lunar Module. The crew, which also included Collins, returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
Astronaut David Scott Examining the Genesis Rock
Commander David Scott (1932-) examining the Genesis Rock at Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The Genesis rock was a lunar sample that Scott and Lunar Module Pilot James Irwin (1930-1991) collected while on the Moon during the Apollo 15 mission. The sample was found to be approximately 4.1 billion years old. Apollo 15 was the first of three extended capabilities missions, which allowed astronauts greater mobility with the Lunar Rover and additional equipment. The mission was crewed by Scott, Irwin, and Command Module Pilot Alfred Worden (1932-), and was launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 26, 1971. Apollo 15 continued on a 12-day mission, including a Moon landing on July 30 and a Pacific Ocean splashdown on August 7.
Original black and white photographic print, August 18, 1971: Larry Summers Collection.
Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
Apollo 11 reentering the Earth's atmosphere. Apollo 11 was the first space mission where humans set foot on another celestial body, the Moon. Launched from Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 fired the third stage engines two and half hours after launch to leave Earth's gravitational pull. The mission was highlighted by the first lunar landing by human beings and Mission Commander Neil Armstrong's (1930-2012) descent from the Lunar Module (LM) to place his foot on the surface of the Moon. He and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-) spent less than 22 hours on the Moon, including two and half hours outside Eagle, their Lunar Module. The crew, which also included Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-), returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
Launch Control Center During the Launch of Apollo 11
Launch Complex 39's Launch Control Center at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, during the Apollo 11 launch. Apollo 11 was the first space mission where humans set foot on another celestial body, the Moon. Launched from Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 fired the third stage engines two and half hours after launch to leave Earth's gravitational pull. The mission was highlighted by the first lunar landing by human beings and Mission Commander Neil Armstrong's (1930-2012) descent from the Lunar Module (LM) to place his foot on the surface of the Moon. He and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-) spent less than 22 hours on the Moon, including two and half hours outside Eagle, their Lunar Module. The crew, which also included Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-), returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
Original black and white photographic prints, July 16, 1969: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Apollo 11 Crew Entering the Capsule for Testing
A test of Apollo 11, with its crew and support workers, in the days leading up to launch. Photographed in the White Room on Launch Pad 39A from left to right are an unidentified support worker, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-), Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-), Mission Commander Neil Armstrong (1930-2012), Spacecraft Preparation Head Günter F. Wendt (1923-2010), and another unidentified worker. Apollo 11 was the first space mission where humans set foot on another celestial body, the Moon. Launched from Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 fired the third stage engines two and half hours after launch to leave Earth's gravitational pull. The mission was highlighted by the first lunar landing by human beings and Armstrong's descent from the Lunar Module (LM) to place his foot on the surface of the Moon. He and Aldrin spent less than 22 hours on the Moon, including two and half hours outside Eagle, their Lunar Module. The crew, which also included Collins, returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
Original color photographic print, July 3, 1969: Leonard Pugh Collection.
After successfully landing on the Moon, the crew of Apollo 11 splashed down in the North Pacific Ocean on July 24, 1969, and were recovered by the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Hornet and its crew. After the recovery crews secured the capsule, the astronauts got into quarantine suits, helped out of the capsule and awaited retrieval by helicopter. Apollo 11 was the first space mission where humans set foot on another celestial body, the Moon. Launched from Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 fired the third stage engines two and half hours after launch to leave Earth's gravitational pull. The mission was highlighted by the first lunar landing by human beings and Mission Commander Neil Armstrong's (1930-2012) descent from the Lunar Module (LM) to place his foot on the surface of the Moon. He and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-) spent less than 22 hours on the Moon, including two and half hours outside Eagle, their Lunar Module. The crew, which also included Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-), returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
After successfully landing on the Moon, the crew of Apollo 11 splashed down in the North Pacific Ocean on July 24, 1969, and were recovered by the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Hornet and its crew. Photographs in this collection show the spacecraft seconds after splashdown, after the recovery crews secured the capsule, and the recovery of the crew members. Apollo 11 was the first space mission where humans set foot on another celestial body, the Moon. Launched from Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 fired the third stage engines two and half hours after launch to leave Earth's gravitational pull. The mission was highlighted by the first lunar landing by human beings and Mission Commander Neil Armstrong's (1930-2012) descent from the Lunar Module (LM) to place his foot on the surface of the Moon. He and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-) spent less than 22 hours on the Moon, including two and half hours outside Eagle, their Lunar Module. The crew, which also included Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-), returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
Original color photographic prints, July 24, 1969: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Press Corps During the Launch of Apollo 11
The media during the launch of Apollo 11, which was the first space mission where humans set foot on another celestial body, the Moon. Launched from Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 fired the third stage engines two and half hours after launch to leave Earth's gravitational pull. The mission was highlighted by the first lunar landing by human beings and Mission Commander Neil Armstrong's (1930-2012) descent from the Lunar Module (LM) to place his foot on the surface of the Moon. He and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-) spent less than 22 hours on the Moon, including two and half hours outside Eagle, their Lunar Module. The crew, which also included Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-), returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
The launch of Apollo 11, which was the first space mission where humans set foot on another celestial body, the Moon. Launched from Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 fired the third stage engines two and half hours after launch to leave Earth's gravitational pull. The mission was highlighted by the first lunar landing by human beings and Mission Commander Neil Armstrong's (1930-2012) descent from the Lunar Module (LM) to place his foot on the surface of the Moon. He and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-) spent less than 22 hours on the Moon, including two and half hours outside Eagle, their Lunar Module. The crew, which also included Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-), returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
Original color photographic prints, July 16, 1969: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Rehearsal at John F. Kennedy Space Center's Launch Control Center
The rehearsal for Apollo 12's launch in Firing Room 2 at the Launch Control Center of Launch Complex 39 at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. Apollo 12 was the second mission which landed men on the moon and the first to bring a color television camera to the lunar surface, but transmission was lost after Bean accidently destroyed the camera by pointing it at the Sun. The mission crew was composed of Mission Commander Pete Conrad (1930-1999); Command Module Pilot Richard F. Gordon, Jr. (1929-); and Lunar Module Pilot Alan Bean (1932-), and was launched November 14, 1969. The mission gathered samples, deployed equipment to perform experiments, and retrieved parts of the Surveyor 3 lander probe, which had been on the Moon's surface since April 20, 1967. The significance of the recovery of Surveyor III parts allowed scientist to examine the long term effects of the lunar environment on spacecraft.
Original black and white photographic print, October 29, 1969: Larry Summers Collection.
The crew of Apollo 17, Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt (1935-), Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans (1933-1990), and Mission Commander Eugene Cernan (1934-), with a lunar rover at Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A). with the Saturn V booster and Apollo Command/Service Module. On December 7, 1972, Apollo 17 became the first night launch of an American human spaceflight and was also the last manned launch of a Saturn V rocket. During the 12-day mission, astronauts conducted observations, experiments, and sample-gathering from the Moon. Apollo 17 broke a number of previous records, such as the longest manned lunar landing flight, the longest total lunar surface extravehicular activities, the largest lunar sample return, and the longest time in lunar orbit.
Original black and white photographic print, August 28, 1972: Larry Summers Collection.
Launch Complex 39A, John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida
Apollo 12 Crew Training to Use Tools on the Moon
Mission Commander Pete Conrad (1930-1999) and Lunar Module Pilot Alan Bean (1932-) training to use tools during their Moon landing at the Flight Crew Training Facility of John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida. Apollo 12 was the second mission which landed men on the moon and the first to bring a color television camera to the lunar surface, but transmission was lost after Bean accidently destroyed the camera by pointing it at the Sun. The mission crew was composed of Conrad, Bean, and Command Module Pilot Richard F. Gordon, Jr. (1929-). The spacecraft was launched November 14, 1969. The mission gathered samples, deployed equipment to perform experiments, and retrieved parts of the Surveyor 3 lander probe, which had been on the Moon's surface since April 20, 1967. The significance of the recovery of Surveyor III parts allowed scientist to examine the long term effects of the lunar environment on spacecraft.
Original black and white photographic prints, September 30, 1969: Larry Summers Collection.
The sky appears dark because of the brightness of the rocket plume at liftoff, so the photograph was shot with a very small aperture. Apollo 12 was the second mission which landed men on the moon and the first to bring a color television camera to the lunar surface, but transmission was lost after Bean accidently destroyed the camera by pointing it at the Sun. The mission crew was composed of Mission Commander Pete Conrad (1930-1999); Command Module Pilot Richard F. Gordon, Jr. (1929-); and Lunar Module Pilot Alan Bean (1932-), and was launched November 14, 1969. The mission gathered samples, deployed equipment to perform experiments, and retrieved parts of the Surveyor 3 lander probe, which had been on the Moon's surface since April 20, 1967. The significance of the recovery of Surveyor III parts allowed scientist to examine the long term effects of the lunar environment on spacecraft.
Original black and white photographic print, November 14, 1969: Larry Summers Collection.
Apollo 12 Rollout From Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) rolls Apollo 12 from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) on one of the massive crawler-transporters at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida. Apollo 12 was the second mission which landed men on the moon and the first to bring a color television camera to the lunar surface, but transmission was lost after Bean accidently destroyed the camera by pointing it at the Sun. The mission crew was composed of Mission Commander Pete Conrad (1930-1999)
Command Module Pilot Richard F. Gordon, Jr. (1929-)
and Lunar Module Pilot Alan Bean (1932-), and was launched November 14, 1969. The mission gathered samples, deployed equipment to perform experiments, and retrieved parts of the Surveyor 3 lander probe, which had been on the Moon's surface since April 20, 1967. The significance of the recovery of Surveyor III parts allowed scientist to examine the long term effects of the lunar environment on spacecraft.
Original black and white photographic prints, September 8, 1969: Larry Summers Collection.
Saturn Causeway, John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida
Astronaut Jim Lovell During Spacesuit Testing
Apollo 13 Mission Commander Jim Lovell (1928-) during spacesuit testing at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. Apollo 13 was crewed by Lovell, Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise (1933-), and Command Module Pilot Jack Swigert (1931-1982). Apollo 13 was termed a "successful failure," because the crew survived even though they did not accomplish its original objective of landing on the moon. Apollo 13 launched on April 11, 1970, but an oxygen tank in the Service Module had exploded around 56 hours into the mission, as a result of a series of mismatched modifications and unfortunate testing, causing the mission and the astronauts being put in jeopardy. The Moon landing did not happen, but the astronauts landed safely in the Pacific Ocean on April 17.
Original black and white photographic print, March 3, 1970: Larry Summers Collection.
Apollo 13 Being Fueled Before Launch at Launch Complex 39A
With the Launch Umbilical Tower (LUT) in the foreground, the Saturn V of Apollo 13 being fueled at Launch Pad 39A of John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida. Apollo 13 was crewed by Mission Commander Jim Lovell (1928-), Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise (1933-), and Command Module Pilot Jack Swigert (1931-1982). Apollo 13 was termed a "successful failure," because the crew survived even though they did not accomplish its original objective of landing on the moon. Apollo 13 launched on April 11, 1970, but an oxygen tank in the Service Module had exploded around 56 hours into the mission, as a result of a series of mismatched modifications and unfortunate testing, causing the mission and the astronauts being put in jeopardy. The Moon landing did not happen, but the astronauts landed safely in the Pacific Ocean on April 17.
Original black and white photographic print, March 26, 1970: Larry Summers Collection.
Apollo 13 Before Launch at Launch Complex 39A
With the Launch Umbilical Tower (LUT) in the foreground, the Saturn V of Apollo 13 sitting on Launch Pad 39A of John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida. Apollo 13 was crewed by Mission Commander Jim Lovell (1928-), Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise (1933-), and Command Module Pilot Jack Swigert (1931-1982). Apollo 13 was termed a "successful failure," because the crew survived even though they did not accomplish its original objective of landing on the moon. Apollo 13 launched on April 11, 1970, but an oxygen tank in the Service Module had exploded around 56 hours into the mission, as a result of a series of mismatched modifications and unfortunate testing, causing the mission and the astronauts being put in jeopardy. The Moon landing did not happen, but the astronauts landed safely in the Pacific Ocean on April 17.
Original black and white photographic print, March 24, 1970: Larry Summers Collection.
Shepard, Alan B. (Alan Bartlett), 1923-1998
A portrait of Mission Commander Alan Shepard (1923-1998) taken for the upcoming Apollo 14 mission. Apollo 14 was the third mission to land men on the Moon, including Shepard, Command Module Pilot Stuart Roosa (1933-1994), and Lunar Module Pilot Edgar Mitchell (1930-). These three astronauts conducted a ten-day mission that launched on January 31, 1971, from John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, and landing in the Pacific Ocean on February 9, 1971. The mission landed Shepard and Mitchell on the Moon, where they collected specimens, conducted, research and even hit a couple of golf balls using a special club that Shepard had stowed away.
Original black and white photographic print, November 14, 1970: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
Apollo 14 Crew in the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building at John F. Kennedy Space Center
Roosa, Stuart A. (Stuart Allen), 1933-1994
The Apollo 14 crew (L-R Roosa, Shepard and Mitchell) suited up and walking to the astronaut transfer van at the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building (MSOB) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on launch day. Apollo 14 was the third mission to land men on the Moon. Photographed from left to right are Command Module Pilot Stuart Roosa (1933-1994), Mission Commander Alan Shepard (1923-1998), and Lunar Module Pilot Edgar Mitchell (1930-). These three astronauts conducted a ten-day mission that launched on January 31, 1971, from John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, and landing in the Pacific Ocean on February 9, 1971. The mission landed Shepard and Mitchell on the Moon, where they collected specimens, conducted, research and even hit a couple of golf balls using a special club that Shepard had stowed away.
Original black and white photographic print, January 31, 1971: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
Astronaut Alan Shepard with a Lunar Landing Training Vehicle
Mission Commander Alan Shepard (1923-1998), the only Mercury Seven astronaut to walk on the Moon, standing near a Lunar Landing Training Vehicle (LLTV) at Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The LLTV was used to practice Moon landings, which were done with the Lunar Module (LM). Apollo 14 was the third mission to land men on the Moon, including Shepard, Command Module Pilot Stuart Roosa (1933-1994), and Lunar Module Pilot Edgar Mitchell (1930-). These three astronauts conducted a ten-day mission that launched on January 31, 1971, from John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, and landing in the Pacific Ocean on February 9, 1971. The mission landed Shepard and Mitchell on the Moon, where they collected specimens, conducted, research and even hit a couple of golf balls using a special club that Shepard had stowed away.
Original black and white photographic print, December 14, 1970: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
Apollo 14's Lunar Module (LM) on the Moon. Apollo 14 was the third mission to land men on the Moon, including Mission Commander Alan Shepard (1923-1998), Command Module Pilot Stuart Roosa (1933-1994), and Lunar Module Pilot Edgar Mitchell (1930-). These three astronauts conducted a ten-day mission that launched on January 31, 1971, from John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, and landing in the Pacific Ocean on February 9, 1971. The mission landed Shepard and Mitchell on the Moon, where they collected specimens, conducted, research and even hit a couple of golf balls using a special club that Shepard had stowed away.
Original color photographic print, February 1971: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Mission Commander Alan Shepard (1923-1998), the first American in space, standing by the American flag during the first Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) of the Apollo 14 Moon landing. Apollo 14 was the third mission to land men on the Moon, including Shepard, Command Module Pilot Stuart Roosa (1933-1994), and Lunar Module Pilot Edgar Mitchell (1930-). These three astronauts conducted a ten-day mission that launched on January 31, 1971, from John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, and landing in the Pacific Ocean on February 9, 1971. The mission landed Shepard and Mitchell on the Moon, where they collected specimens, conducted, research and even hit a couple of golf balls using a special club that Shepard had stowed away.
Original color photographic print, February 5, 1971: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Apollo 15's Lunar Rover on the Moon circa July 30, 1971. Apollo 15 was the first of three extended capabilities missions, which allowed astronauts greater mobility with the Lunar Rover and additional equipment. The mission was crewed by Mission Commander David Scott (1932-), Command Module Pilot Alfred Worden (1932-), and Lunar Module Pilot James Irwin (1930-1991), and was launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 26. Apollo 15 continued on a 12-day mission, including a Moon landing on July 30 and a Pacific Ocean splashdown on August 7.
Original black and white photographic print, July 30, 1971: Larry Summers Collection.
Ann Lurton Scott, the wife of Commander David Scott (1932-), and Mary Ellen Irwin, the wife of Lunar Module Pilot James Irwin (1930-1991), during an interview at a post-launch press conference for Apollo 15 on July 26, 1971. Apollo 15 was the first of three extended capabilities missions, which allowed astronauts greater mobility with the Lunar Rover and additional equipment. The mission was crewed by Mission Commander David Scott (1932-), Command Module Pilot Alfred Worden (1932-), and Lunar Module Pilot James Irwin (1930-1991), and was launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. Apollo 15 continued on a 12-day mission, including a Moon landing on July 30 and a Pacific Ocean splashdown on August 7.
Original black and white photographic print, July 26, 1971: Larry Summers Collection.
Kennedy Parkway North During the Apollo 15 Launch
A crowd estimated at 20,000 people parked along Kennedy Parkway North at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, to observe the Apollo 15 launch on July 26, 1971. Apollo 15 was the first of three extended capabilities missions, which allowed astronauts greater mobility with the Lunar Rover and additional equipment. The mission was crewed by Mission Commander David Scott (1932-), Command Module Pilot Alfred Worden (1932-), and Lunar Module Pilot James Irwin (1930-1991), and was launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A). Apollo 15 continued on a 12-day mission, including a Moon landing on July 30 and a Pacific Ocean splashdown on August 7.
Press Corps Observing the Apollo 15 Launch
A contingent of over two thousand accredited media personnel were present at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, to observe the launch of Apollo 15 on July 26, 1971. Apollo 15 was the first of three extended capabilities missions, which allowed astronauts greater mobility with the Lunar Rover and additional equipment. The mission was crewed by Mission Commander David Scott (1932-), Command Module Pilot Alfred Worden (1932-), and Lunar Module Pilot James Irwin (1930-1991), and was launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A). Apollo 15 continued on a 12-day mission, including a Moon landing on July 30 and a Pacific Ocean splashdown on August 7.
Apollo 15 Splashdown in the Pacific Ocean
The Apollo 15 splashdown in the Pacific Ocean near the USS Okinawa on August 7, 1971. Apollo 15 was the first of three extended capabilities missions, which allowed astronauts greater mobility with the Lunar Rover and additional equipment. The mission was crewed by Mission Commander David Scott (1932-), Command Module Pilot Alfred Worden (1932-), and Lunar Module Pilot James Irwin (1930-1991), and was launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 26. Apollo 15 continued on a 12-day mission, including a Moon landing on July 30.
Original black and white photographic print, August 7, 1971: Larry Summers Collection.
Apollo 15's Lunar Rover undergoing compatibility and fit checks with the Lunar Module (LM). Apollo 15 was the first of three extended capabilities missions, which allowed astronauts greater mobility with the Lunar Rover and additional equipment. The mission was crewed by Mission Commander David Scott (1932-), Command Module Pilot Alfred Worden (1932-), and Lunar Module Pilot James Irwin (1930-1991), and was launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 26, 1971. Apollo 15 continued on a 12-day mission, including a Moon landing on July 30 and a Pacific Ocean splashdown on August 7.
Original black and white photographic print, May 3, 1971: Larry Summers Collection.
Apollo 15 Crew Testing Apollo Spacecraft
The crew of Apollo 15 testing the spacecraft in the period leading up to the launch from John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. Apollo 15 was the first of three extended capabilities missions, which allowed astronauts greater mobility with the Lunar Rover and additional equipment. The mission was crewed by Mission Commander David Scott (1932-), Command Module Pilot Alfred Worden (1932-), and Lunar Module Pilot James Irwin (1930-1991), and was launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 26, 1971. Apollo 15 continued on a 12-day mission, including a Moon landing on July 30 and a Pacific Ocean splashdown on August 7.
Original black and white photographic print, April 5, 1971: Larry Summers Collection.
The crowds of spectators observing the launch of Apollo 15 near the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Apollo 15 was the first of three extended capabilities missions, which allowed astronauts greater mobility with the Lunar Rover and additional equipment. The mission was crewed by Mission Commander David Scott (1932-), Command Module Pilot Alfred Worden (1932-), and Lunar Module Pilot James Irwin (1930-1991), and was launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 26, 1971. Apollo 15 continued on a 12-day mission, including a Moon landing on July 30 and a Pacific Ocean splashdown on August 7.
Original black and white photographic prints, July 26, 1971: Larry Summers Collection.
During the 12-day Apollo 17 mission, Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt (1935-) and Mission Commander Eugene Cernan (1934-) spent 75 hours on the lunar surface collecting specimens and conducting experiments during Apollo 17. On December 7, 1972, Apollo 17 became the first night launch of an American human spaceflight and was also the last manned launch of a Saturn V rocket. Specimen collection was greatly aided by the use of the lunar rover, which allowed them to traverse a distance 35 km. Astronaut Schmitt was the first geologist and scientist to walk on the Moon. Apollo 17 broke a number of previous records, such as the longest manned lunar landing flight, the longest total lunar surface extravehicular activities, the largest lunar sample return, and the longest time in lunar orbit. The Apollo 17 crew consisted of Schmitt, Cernan, and Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans (1933-1990).
Original color photographic print, December 1972: Larry Summers Collection.
After the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, many systems were upgraded to return the Space Shuttles to flight. As part of those upgrades, the main engines were redesigned and then tested by a static firing at John C. Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, Mississippi. The Space Shuttle was meant as a reusable alternative to the traditional ballistic rockets used to launch manned spacecraft in the 1960s and 1970s. From 1981 to 2011, when the fleet was retired, five shuttles were flown over 130 times. It was the first space launch system, which was mostly reusable (the shuttles themselves and the solid rocket boosters). Shuttles were launched from Launch Complex 39A and Launch Complex 39B at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida.
Original color photographic print: Leonard Pugh Collection.
John C. Stennis Space Center, Mississippi
Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt (1935-), the only geologist to travel to the Moon, working beside a boulder on the Moon during an Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA). On December 7, 1972, Apollo 17 became the first night launch of an American human spaceflight and was also the last manned launch of a Saturn V rocket. During the 12-day mission, Schmitt and Mission Commander Eugene Cernan (1934-) spent 75 hours on the lunar surface collecting specimens and conducting experiments. This was greatly aided by the use of the lunar rover, which allowed them to traverse a distance 35 km. Astronaut Schmitt was the first geologist and scientist to walk on the Moon. Apollo 17 broke a number of previous records, such as the longest manned lunar landing flight, the longest total lunar surface extravehicular activities, the largest lunar sample return, and the longest time in lunar orbit. The Apollo 17 crew consisted of Schmitt, Cernan, and Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans (1933-1990).
Original black and white photographic print, December 13, 1972: Larry Summers Collection.
Astronaut Harrison Schmitt During Training
Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt (1935-), the only geologist to travel to the Moon, examining a rock while training for Apollo 17's Moon mission. Schmitt was the only geologist to travel to the Moon. On December 7, 1972, Apollo 17 became the first night launch of an American human spaceflight and was also the last manned launch of a Saturn V rocket. During the 12-day mission, astronauts conducted observations, experiments, and sample-gathering from the Moon. Apollo 17 broke a number of previous records, such as the longest manned lunar landing flight, the longest total lunar surface extravehicular activities, the largest lunar sample return, and the longest time in lunar orbit. The Apollo 17 crew consisted of Schmitt, Mission Commander Eugene Cernan (1934-), and Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans (1933-1990).
Original black and white photographic print, December 19, 1972: Larry Summers Collection.
The Apollo 17 crew, consisting of Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt (1935-), Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans (1933-1990), and Mission Commander Eugene Cernan (1934-), exiting the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building (MSOB) (MSOB) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, to enter the transfer van, which would take them to Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) for a Countdown Demonstration Test. On December 7, 1972, Apollo 17 became the first night launch of an American human spaceflight and was also the last manned launch of a Saturn V rocket. During the 12-day mission, astronauts conducted observations, experiments, and sample-gathering from the Moon. Apollo 17 broke a number of previous records, such as the longest manned lunar landing flight, the longest total lunar surface extravehicular activities, the largest lunar sample return, and the longest time in lunar orbit.
Original black and white photographic print, November 11, 1972: Larry Summers Collection.
Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans (1933-1990) exiting the Apollo 17 capsule to join Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt (1935-) in the recovery dinghy after splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on December 19, 1972. Apollo 17 was the final mission of Project Apollo and the last mission (to date) of any sort to land men on the Moon. This was also one of three missions with more extensive capabilities, using a rover to move about the moon and carry more equipment. It launched on December 7, 1972, spent 12 days in space including a successful landing on the Moon. The USS Ticonderoga can be seen in the distance.
Original black and white photographic prints, December 19, 1972: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
Astronaut Eugene Cernan With Wife and Daughter
Apollo 17 Mission Commander Eugene Cernan (1934-) with his wife, Barbara Cernan, and his daughter, Teresa Cernan, after a lunar landing training session at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. On December 7, 1972, Apollo 17 became the first night launch of an American human spaceflight and was also the last manned launch of a Saturn V rocket. During the 12-day mission, astronauts conducted observations, experiments, and sample-gathering from the Moon. Apollo 17 broke a number of previous records, such as the longest manned lunar landing flight, the longest total lunar surface extravehicular activities, the largest lunar sample return, and the longest time in lunar orbit. The Apollo 17 crew consisted of Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt (1935-), Cernan, and Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans (1933-1990).
Original black and white photographic print, August 15, 1972: Larry Summers Collection.
The massive Saturn V launch vehicle at Launch Complex 39A of John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. On December 7, 1972, Apollo 17 became the first night launch of an American human spaceflight and was also the last manned launch of a Saturn V rocket. During the 12-day mission, astronauts conducted observations, experiments, and sample-gathering from the Moon. Apollo 17 broke a number of previous records, such as the longest manned lunar landing flight, the longest total lunar surface extravehicular activities, the largest lunar sample return, and the longest time in lunar orbit. The Apollo 17 crew consisted of Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt (1935-), Commander Eugene Cernan (1934-), and Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans (1933-1990).
Original black and white photographic print, September 6, 1972: Larry Summers Collection.
Apollo 17 astronauts in front of a Saturn V launch vehicle being moved by crawler-transporter from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to Launch Complex 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. Photographed from left to right are Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt (1935-), Commander Eugene Cernan (1934-), and Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans (1933-1990). On December 7, 1972, Apollo 17 became the first night launch of an American human spaceflight and was also the last manned launch of a Saturn V rocket. During the 12-day mission, astronauts conducted observations, experiments, and sample-gathering from the Moon. Apollo 17 broke a number of previous records, such as the longest manned lunar landing flight, the longest total lunar surface extravehicular activities, the largest lunar sample return, and the longest time in lunar orbit.
Schirra, Walter M. (Walter Marty), 1923-2007
The Apollo 7 crew and support team having breakfast at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, before liftoff on October 11, 1968. Apollo 7 was an Earth orbital mission, which tested the improved Block 2 Command/Service Module (CSM). It was the first time the Apollo CSM had flown on a manned mission. This Apollo mission lasted ten days and tested many of the systems needed to accomplish the Moon landing. Photographed from left to right are Kenneth Kleinknecht, the Manager of Apollo Spacecraft Office; Command Module Pilot Donn F. Eisele (1930-1987); Mission Commander Wally Schirra (1923-2007); Deke Slayton (1924-1993), the Director Flight Crew Operations; an unidentified person; and Ronald Evans (1933-1990). Lunar Module Pilot Walter Cunningham (1932-) is not pictured here.
Original black and white photographic print, October 11, 1968: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Astronauts Load into Transfer Van for Apollo 7 Launch Demonstration Test
Mission Commander Wally Schirra (1923-2007), Command Module Pilot Donn F. Eisele (1930-1987), and Lunar Module Pilot Walter Cunningham (1932-) boarding a transfer van for a Launch Demonstration Test at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on October 11, 1968. Apollo 7 was an Earth orbital mission, which tested the improved Block 2 Command/Service Module (CSM). It was the first time the Apollo CSM had flown on a manned mission. This Apollo mission lasted ten days and tested many of the systems needed to accomplish the Moon landing.
Original black and white photographic print, September 17, 1968: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Cape Canaveral, Florida
The liftoff of Skylab 4 (SL-4) from Launch Pad 39B of John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. As Project Apollo was winding down and the final three missions (Apollo 18, Apollo 19, and Apollo 20) were canceled, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) looked for ways to repurpose launch vehicles and other equipment. Out of this, Skylab and three space science missions were born. Skylab was conceived by famed rocket designer, Wernher von Braun (1912-1977), to use an unused upper-stage fuel tank and convert it to an orbital laboratory. This was necessitated by NASA's budget being slashed. With the tank becoming the basis of the space station, NASA added solar arrays, a docking adapter, and a space observatory. The Skylab missions were constituted of one mission to put the station in space (Skylab 1), using a modified and last Saturn V to launch, and three crewed missions (Skylab 2, Skylab 3, and Skylab 4) to occupy the lab and perform science, using the smaller Saturn IB booster to launch the three astronaut crews. When launched on May 14, 1973, the station encountered problems immediately. A micrometeoroid shield prematurely deployed and tore off one of the two main solar arrays. NASA engineers went to work and were able to save Skylab and the three crewed missions. Each of the subsequent missions set what were then endurance records for living in space and conducted substantial space science experiments. NASA tried to keep Skylab in orbit after SL-4 and until the Space Shuttle could boast its orbit, but with a decaying orbit, it crashed on July 11, 1979. Skylab 4 was launched from Launch Complex 39B on November 16, 1973, using what was jokingly referred to as a "milk stool" to adapt the launcher to the smaller Saturn IB booster. SL-4's crew consisted of Mission Commander Gerald P. Carr (1932-), Command Module Pilot William R. Pogue (1930-2014), and Science Pilot Edward Gibson (1936-). The mission set a then endurance record of more than 84 days in space.
Original black and white photographic prints, November 16, 1973: Larry Summers Collection.
Launch Pad 39B, John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida
Apollo 7 Astronauts Boarding a Transfer Van
Mission Commander Wally Schirra (1923-2007), Command Module Pilot Donn F. Eisele (1930-1987), and Lunar Module Pilot Walter Cunningham (1932-) boarding a transfer van before liftoff at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on October 11, 1968. Apollo 7 was an Earth orbital mission, which tested the improved Block 2 Command/Service Module (CSM). It was the first time the Apollo CSM had flown on a manned mission. This Apollo mission lasted ten days and tested many of the systems needed to accomplish the Moon landing.
Mission Commander Wally Schirra (1923-2007), Command Module Pilot Donn F. Eisele (1930-1987), and Lunar Module Pilot Walter Cunningham (1932-) holding up a sign during the last television transmission from Earth orbit. Apollo 7 launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on October 11, 1968. It was an Earth orbital mission, which tested the improved Block 2 Command/Service Module (CSM). It was the first time the Apollo CSM had flown on a manned mission. This Apollo mission lasted ten days and tested many of the systems needed to accomplish the Moon landing.
Original black and white photographic print, October 21, 1968: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
Skylab 4 (SL-4) Command Module Pilot William R. Pogue (1930-2014) in front of a transfer van at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. As Project Apollo was winding down and the final three missions (Apollo 18, Apollo 19, and Apollo 20) were canceled, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) looked for ways to repurpose launch vehicles and other equipment. Out of this, Skylab and three space science missions were born. Skylab was conceived by famed rocket designer, Wernher von Braun (1912-1977), to use an unused upper-stage fuel tank and convert it to an orbital laboratory. This was necessitated by NASA's budget being slashed. With the tank becoming the basis of the space station, NASA added solar arrays, a docking adapter, and a space observatory. The Skylab missions were constituted of one mission to put the station in space (Skylab 1), using a modified and last Saturn V to launch, and three crewed missions (Skylab 2, Skylab 3, and Skylab 4) to occupy the lab and perform science, using the smaller Saturn IB booster to launch the three astronaut crews. When launched on May 14, 1973, the station encountered problems immediately. A micrometeoroid shield prematurely deployed and tore off one of the two main solar arrays. NASA engineers went to work and were able to save Skylab and the three crewed missions. Each of the subsequent missions set what were then endurance records for living in space and conducted substantial space science experiments. NASA tried to keep Skylab in orbit after SL-4 and until the Space Shuttle could boast its orbit, but with a decaying orbit, it crashed on July 11, 1979. Skylab 4 was launched from Launch Complex 39B on November 16, 1973, using what was jokingly referred to as a "milk stool" to adapt the launcher to the smaller Saturn IB booster. SL-4's crew consisted of Mission Commander Gerald P. Carr (1932-), Pogue, and Science Pilot Edward Gibson (1936-). The mission set a then endurance record of more than 84 days in space.
Original black and white photographic print, November 8, 1973: Larry Summers Collection.
Mission Commander Wally Schirra (1923-2007), Command Module Pilot Donn F. Eisele (1930-1987), and Lunar Module Pilot Walter Cunningham (1932-) exiting the recovery helicopter aboard the USS Essex in the Atlantic Ocean. Apollo 7 launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on October 11, 1968. It was an Earth orbital mission, which tested the improved Block 2 Command/Service Module (CSM). It was the first time the Apollo CSM had flown on a manned mission. This Apollo mission lasted ten days and tested many of the systems needed to accomplish the Moon landing.
Original black and white photographic print, October 22, 1968: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
The Saturn IB used for the Apollo 7 launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on October 11, 1968. It was an Earth orbital mission, which tested the improved Block 2 Command/Service Module (CSM). It was the first time the Apollo CSM had flown on a manned mission. This Apollo mission lasted ten days and tested many of the systems needed to accomplish the Moon landing. The crew included Commander Wally Schirra (1923-2007), Command Module Pilot Donn F. Eisele (1930-1987), and Lunar Module Pilot Walter Cunningham (1932-).
Original black and white photographic print, April 16, 1968: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
Skylab 4 Astronaut Edward Gibson Undergoing Medical Exam
Skylab 4 (SL-4) Science Pilot Edward Gibson (1936-) undergoing a medical exam before launch at Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. As Project Apollo was winding down and the final three missions (Apollo 18, Apollo 19, and Apollo 20) were canceled, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) looked for ways to repurpose launch vehicles and other equipment. Out of this, Skylab and three space science missions were born. Skylab was conceived by famed rocket designer, Wernher von Braun (1912-1977), to use an unused upper-stage fuel tank and convert it to an orbital laboratory. This was necessitated by NASA's budget being slashed. With the tank becoming the basis of the space station, NASA added solar arrays, a docking adapter, and a space observatory. The Skylab missions were constituted of one mission to put the station in space (Skylab 1), using a modified and last Saturn V to launch, and three crewed missions (Skylab 2, Skylab 3, and Skylab 4) to occupy the lab and perform science, using the smaller Saturn IB booster to launch the three astronaut crews. When launched on May 14, 1973, the station encountered problems immediately. A micrometeoroid shield prematurely deployed and tore off one of the two main solar arrays. NASA engineers went to work and were able to save Skylab and the three crewed missions. Each of the subsequent missions set what were then endurance records for living in space and conducted substantial space science experiments. NASA tried to keep Skylab in orbit after Skylab 4 and until the Space Shuttle could boast its orbit, but with a decaying orbit, it crashed on July 11, 1979. SL-4 was launched from Launch Complex 39B on November 16, 1973, using what was jokingly referred to as a "milk stool" to adapt the launcher to the smaller Saturn IB booster. Skylab 4's crew consisted of Mission Commander Gerald P. Carr (1932-), Command Module Pilot William R. Pogue (1930-2014), and Gibson. The mission set a then endurance record of more than 84 days in space.
Original black and white photographic print, November 7, 1973: Larry Summers Collection.
Apollo 7 launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) atop a Saturn IB booster on October 11, 1968. It was an Earth orbital mission, which tested the improved Block 2 Command/Service Module (CSM). It was the first time the Apollo CSM had flown on a manned mission. This Apollo mission lasted ten days and tested many of the systems needed to accomplish the Moon landing. The crew included Commander Wally Schirra (1923-2007), Command Module Pilot Donn F. Eisele (1930-1987), and Lunar Module Pilot Walter Cunningham (1932-).
Original black and white photographic print, October 11, 1968: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
Original color photographic print, October 11, 1968: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Astronaut Frank Borman During a Simulated Altitude Chamber Test
Apollo 8 (AS-503) astronaut Frank Borman (1928-) entering the capsule during a simulated altitude chamber test at the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building (MSOB) (MSOB) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. Apollo 8 was the first manned launch of a Saturn V booster and mission to leave Earth orbit. It launched on December 21, 1968, with Commander Frank Borman (1928-), Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell (1928-), and Lunar Module Pilot William Anders (1933-). Apollo 8 was the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth's orbit, reach the Moon, and orbit and return safely to Earth. The crew became the first humans to travel beyond low Earth orbit, to see Earth as a whole planet, to directly see the far side of the Moon, and to witness Earthrise.
Original black and white photographic print, September 11, 1968: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
Astronaut Jim Lovell During Suit Test for Apollo 8
Apollo 8 (AS-503) astronaut Jim Lovell (1928-) during a suit test at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. Apollo 8 was the first manned launch of a Saturn V booster and mission to leave Earth orbit. It launched on December 21, 1968, with Commander Frank Borman (1928-), Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell (1928-), and Lunar Module Pilot William Anders (1933-). Apollo 8 was the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth's orbit, reach the Moon, and orbit and return safely to Earth. The crew became the first humans to travel beyond low Earth orbit, to see Earth as a whole planet, to directly see the far side of the Moon, and to witness Earthrise.
Astronaut William Anders During Suit Test for Apollo 8
Apollo 8 (AS-503) astronaut William Anders (1933-) during a suit test at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. Anders was scheduled to be the Lunar Module Pilot, but because of production delays, the Lunar Module (LM) was not flight yet ready for liftoff and Apollo 8's mission goals were changed. Apollo 8 was the first manned launch of a Saturn V booster and mission to leave Earth orbit. It launched on December 21, 1968, with Commander Frank Borman (1928-), Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell (1928-), and Lunar Module Pilot Anders. Apollo 8 was the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth's orbit, reach the Moon, and orbit and return safely to Earth. The crew became the first humans to travel beyond low Earth orbit, to see Earth as a whole planet, to directly see the far side of the Moon, and to witness Earthrise.
Original black and white photographic print, December 18, 1968: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
Apollo 8 (AS-503) astronaut Frank Borman (1928-) jogging at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. Borman would command the mission launched three days after this photograph was taken. Apollo 8 was the first manned launch of a Saturn V booster and mission to leave Earth orbit. It launched on December 21, 1968, with Commander Borman, Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell (1928-), and Lunar Module Pilot William Anders (1933-). Apollo 8 was the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth's orbit, reach the Moon, and orbit and return safely to Earth. The crew became the first humans to travel beyond low Earth orbit, to see Earth as a whole planet, to directly see the far side of the Moon, and to witness Earthrise.
Apollo 8 Astronauts on the USS Yorktown After Splashdown
The crew of Apollo 8 (AS-503) stepping off of the recovery helicopter on the carrier USS Yorktown in the Pacific Ocean. Photographed from left to right are Jim Lovell (1928-), Frank Borman (1928-), and William Anders (1933-), who had just completed the first mission orbiting the Moon. Apollo 8 was the first manned launch of a Saturn V booster and mission to leave Earth orbit. It launched on December 21, 1968, with Commander Borman, Command Module Pilot Lovell, and Lunar Module Pilot Anders. Apollo 8 was the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth's orbit, reach the Moon, and orbit and return safely to Earth. The crew became the first humans to travel beyond low Earth orbit, to see Earth as a whole planet, to directly see the far side of the Moon, and to witness Earthrise.
Original black and white photographic print, December 28, 1968: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
Frank Borman During Suit Test for Apollo 8
Apollo 8 (AS-503) Commander Frank Borman (1928-) during a suit test at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. Apollo 8 was the first manned launch of a Saturn V booster and mission to leave Earth orbit. It launched on December 21, 1968, with Borman, Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell (1928-), and Lunar Module Pilot William Anders (1933-). Apollo 8 was the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth's orbit, reach the Moon, and orbit and return safely to Earth. The crew became the first humans to travel beyond low Earth orbit, to see Earth as a whole planet, to directly see the far side of the Moon, and to witness Earthrise.
Original black and white photographic prints, December 11, 1968: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
Jim Lovell in the White Room Before Boarding Apollo 8
Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell (1928-) speaking to the closeout crew in the white room before entering the Apollo 8 (AS-503) capsule. Apollo 8 was the first manned launch of a Saturn V booster and mission to leave Earth orbit. It launched on December 21, 1968, with Commander Frank Borman (1928-), Lovell, and Lunar Module Pilot William Anders (1933-). Apollo 8 was the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth's orbit, reach the Moon, and orbit and return safely to Earth. The crew became the first humans to travel beyond low Earth orbit, to see Earth as a whole planet, to directly see the far side of the Moon, and to witness Earthrise.
Original black and white photographic print, December 21, 1968: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
An artist's rendering of the Apollo–Soyuz Test Project (ASTP). The Apollo crew consisted of Docking Module Pilot Deke Slayton (1924-1993) (1924-1993), Mission Commander Thomas Stafford (1930-), and Command/Service Module Pilot Vance de. Brand. The Soyuz crew consisted of Commander Alexey Leonov (1934-), Flight Engineer Valeri Nikolayevich Kubasov (1935-2014). Both spacecraft launched on July 15, 1975, within hours of each other, with the first being the Soyuz 19 from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and the Apollo from Launch Pad 39B at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. The two spacecraft docked on July 17 and undocked on July 19, with crews conducting joint science experiments. They also spent time giving tours of each other's spacecraft to television audiences and formal and informal gift exchanges. Afterward, the undocking the Soyuz spent an additional day carrying out experiments and landed on July 21. The Apollo crew also stayed in orbit and conducted space science and Earth observation landing in the Pacific Ocean on July 24.
Original color print: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Launch Complex 39B, John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida
Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
The American and Soviet crews of the Apollo–Soyuz Test Project (ASTP). The Apollo crew consisted of Docking Module Pilot Deke Slayton (1924-1993) (1924-1993), Mission Commander Thomas Stafford (1930-), and Command/Service Module Pilot Vance de. Brand. The Soyuz crew consisted of Commander Alexey Leonov (1934-), Flight Engineer Valeri Nikolayevich Kubasov (1935-2014). Both spacecraft launched on July 15, 1975, within hours of each other, with the first being the Soyuz 19 from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and the Apollo from Launch Pad 39B at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. The two spacecraft docked on July 17 and undocked on July 19, with crews conducting joint science experiments. They also spent time giving tours of each other's spacecraft to television audiences and formal and informal gift exchanges. Afterward, the undocking the Soyuz spent an additional day carrying out experiments and landed on July 21. The Apollo crew also stayed in orbit and conducted space science and Earth observation landing in the Pacific Ocean on July 24.
Apollo Command/Service Module Launch for Apollo-Soyuz Test Project
The Apollo Command/Service Module (CSM) launching from Saturn IB for the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP). On the final Apollo flight, a Saturn IB lifted the spacecraft aloft from Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. This spacecraft eventually docked to a Soyuz 19 spacecraft from July 15-17, 1975, as part of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. ASTP was an experiment in cooperation and mating of different technologies from both the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). Soyuz 19 was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome, near present-day Tyuratam, Kazakhstan. The Soviet spacecraft was in orbit for five days. This successful mission led to cooperation on other projects including the International Space Station (ISS).
Original color photographic print, July 15, 1975: Leonard Pugh Collection.
President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon at Patrick Air Force Base
Nixon, Thelma Catherine Patricia Ryan, 1912-1993
President Richard Nixon (1913-1994) accompanied by his wife, Pat Nixon (1912-1993), greeting citizens at Patrick Air Force Base with Marine One in the background. Nixon arrived with his wife and his daughter, Patricia "Tricia" Nixon (1946-), to watch the launch of Apollo 12 on November 14, 1969. Apollo 12 was the second mission which landed men on the moon and the first to bring a color television camera to the lunar surface, but transmission was lost after Bean accidently destroyed the camera by pointing it at the Sun. The mission crew was composed of Mission Commander Pete Conrad (1930-1999)
and Lunar Module Pilot Alan Bean (1932-). The mission gathered samples, deployed equipment to perform experiments, and retrieved parts of the Surveyor 3 lander probe, which had been on the Moon's surface since April 20, 1967. The significance of the recovery of Surveyor III parts allowed scientist to examine the long term effects of the lunar environment on spacecraft.
Original color photographic print, November 14, 1969: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Apollo 8 (AS-503) on Launch Pad 39A of John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. Apollo 8 was the first manned launch of a Saturn V booster and mission to leave Earth orbit. It launched on December 21, 1968, with Commander Frank Borman (1928-), Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell (1928-), and Lunar Module Pilot William Anders (1933-). Apollo 8 was the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth's orbit, reach the Moon, and orbit and return safely to Earth. The crew became the first humans to travel beyond low Earth orbit, to see Earth as a whole planet, to directly see the far side of the Moon, and to witness Earthrise. In this photograph, the spacecraft sits on the mobile launcher weeks before liftoff.
Original color photographic print, December 8, 1968: Leonard Pugh Collection.
One of the first three test flights of the Saturn I booster. Here, it is depicted as it has lifted off from Launch Complex 34 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Saturn I was the first heavy-lift dedicated space launcher used in the United States. The Saturn I rocket was designed to launch payloads into low Earth orbit and was the most powerful launch vehicle used by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to date. The rocket was used for testing rocket motor technology, aerodynamics, flight control and mockups (boilerplate) versions of the Apollo Command/Service Modules. Ten Saturn I rockets were flown until the model was replaced by the Saturn IB.
Original black and white photographic print: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Launch Complex 34, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Cape Canaveral, Florida
A Saturn IB on the launch adapter of the mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39 (LC-39) of John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. This was one of the last Saturn IB boosters to launch from KSC as it was either a Skylab mission or Apollo-Soyuz. In total, the Saturn IB launched two unmanned Command/Service Module (CSM) suborbital flights, one unmanned Lunar Module (LM) orbital flight, and the first manned CSM orbital mission.
Original color photographic prints: Leonard Pugh Collection.
First Launch of Apollo-Saturn Configuration
The first Apollo-Saturn launch vehicle as it sat on Launch Pad 37B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Cape Canaveral, Florida, before its launch on May 28, 1964. Saturn I was the first heavy-lift dedicated space launcher used in the United States. The Saturn I rocket was designed to launch payloads into low Earth orbit and was the most powerful launch vehicle used by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to date. The rocket was used for testing rocket motor technology, aerodynamics, flight control and mockups (boilerplate) versions of the Apollo Command/Service Modules. Ten Saturn I rockets were flown until the model was replaced by the Saturn IB.
Original black and white photographic print, April 24, 1964: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Saturn I Booster with Boilerplate Apollo Command/Service Module
A Saturn I launching from Launch Complex 37 of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Saturn I was the first heavy-lift dedicated space launcher used in the United States. The Saturn I rocket was designed to launch payloads into low Earth orbit and was the most powerful launch vehicle used by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to date. The rocket was used for testing rocket motor technology, aerodynamics, flight control and mockups (boilerplate) versions of the Apollo Command/Service Modules. Ten Saturn I rockets were flown until the model was replaced by the Saturn IB.
A Saturn V booster next to the service tower at John F. Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A in Merritt Island, Florida. The Saturn V was the most powerful launch vehicle ever used, with 7.7 million pounds of thrust. The rocket was used by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from 1966 to 1973 to launch spacecraft for Project Apollo and later to launch Skylab, the first American space station.
Apollo-Saturn V Launch Vehicle on Launch Pad 39A
An Apollo-Saturn V booster next to the service tower at John F. Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A in Merritt Island, Florida. The Saturn V was the most powerful launch vehicle ever used, with 7.7 million pounds of thrust. The rocket was used by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from 1966 to 1973 to launch spacecraft for Project Apollo and later to launch Skylab, the first American space station.
Wally Schirra (1923-2007) was the only astronaut to fly on Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo spacecraft. A Mercury Seven astronaut, Schirra flew on Sigma 7 (also known as Mercury-Atlas 8), Gemini 6A as Command Pilot with Thomas Stafford as Pilot, and Earth orbital Apollo 7 as Mission Commander for the first manned Apollo mission. Schirra was the fifth American and ninth human to ride a rocket into space. Je was also the first person to travel into space three times and logged a total of 295 hours and 15 minutes in space. After retiring from the U.S. Navy and from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Schirra became a consultant for CBS News.
Original black and white photographic print: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
The famous and ill-fated Apollo 13 spacecraft at Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) of John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. The mission was crewed by Mission Commander Jim Lovell (1928-), Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise (1933-), and Command Module Pilot Jack Swigert (1931-1982). Apollo 13 was termed a "successful failure," because the crew survived even though they did not accomplish its original objective of landing on the moon. Apollo 13 launched on April 11, 1970, but an oxygen tank in the Service Module had exploded around 56 hours into the mission, as a result of a series of mismatched modifications and unfortunate testing, causing the mission and the astronauts being put in jeopardy. The Moon landing did not happen, but the astronauts landed safely in the Pacific Ocean on April 17.
Apollo-Saturn IB Launch Vehicle of Skylab 3 Sits on Launch Pad 39B
The Apollo-Saturn IB Launch Vehicle of Skylab 3 (SL-3) at Launch Pad 39B of John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. As Project Apollo was winding down and the final three missions (Apollo 18, Apollo 19, and Apollo 20) were canceled, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) looked for ways to repurpose launch vehicles and other equipment. Out of this, Skylab and three space science missions were born. Skylab was conceived by famed rocket designer, Wernher von Braun (1912-1977), to use an unused upper-stage fuel tank and convert it to an orbital laboratory. This was necessitated by NASA's budget being slashed. With the tank becoming the basis of the space station, NASA added solar arrays, a docking adapter, and a space observatory. The Skylab missions were constituted of one mission to put the station in space (Skylab 1), using a modified and last Saturn V to launch, and three crewed missions (Skylab 2, Skylab 3, and Skylab 4) to occupy the lab and perform science, using the smaller Saturn IB booster to launch the three astronaut crews. When launched on May 14, 1973, the station encountered problems immediately. A micrometeoroid shield prematurely deployed and tore off one of the two main solar arrays. NASA engineers went to work and were able to save Skylab and the three crewed missions. Each of the subsequent missions set what were then endurance records for living in space and conducted substantial space science experiments. NASA tried to keep Skylab in orbit after Skylab 4 (SL-4) and until the Space Shuttle could boast its orbit, but with a decaying orbit, it crashed on July 11, 1979. Skylab 3 (SL-3) was launched from Launch Complex 39B, using what was jokingly referred to as a "milk stool" to adapt the launcher to the smaller Saturn IB booster.
Original black and white photographic print, June 11, 1973: Larry Summers Collection.
Skylab Space Station as Seen From Skylab 4 CSM
A view of the Skylab Space Station from the Skylab 4 (SL-4) Command/Service Module (CSM). As Project Apollo was winding down and the final three missions (Apollo 18, Apollo 19, and Apollo 20) were canceled, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) looked for ways to repurpose launch vehicles and other equipment. Out of this, Skylab and three space science missions were born. Skylab was conceived by famed rocket designer, Wernher von Braun (1912-1977), to use an unused upper-stage fuel tank and convert it to an orbital laboratory. This was necessitated by NASA's budget being slashed. With the tank becoming the basis of the space station, NASA added solar arrays, a docking adapter, and a space observatory. The Skylab missions were constituted of one mission to put the station in space (Skylab 1), using a modified and last Saturn V to launch, and three crewed missions (Skylab 2, Skylab 3, and Skylab 4) to occupy the lab and perform science, using the smaller Saturn IB booster to launch the three astronaut crews. When launched on May 14, 1973, the station encountered problems immediately. A micrometeoroid shield prematurely deployed and tore off one of the two main solar arrays. NASA engineers went to work and were able to save Skylab and the three crewed missions. Each of the subsequent missions set what were then endurance records for living in space and conducted substantial space science experiments. NASA tried to keep Skylab in orbit after Skylab 4 (SL-4) and until the Space Shuttle could boast its orbit, but with a decaying orbit, it crashed on July 11, 1979.
Project Apollo ended here in the Pacific Ocean with the splashdown of Apollo 17 on December 19, 1972. One December 7, Apollo 17 became the first night launch of an American human spaceflight and was also the last manned launch of a Saturn V rocket. During the 12-day mission, Mission Commander Eugene Cernan (1934-), Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt (1935-), and Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans (1933-1990) conducted observations, experiments, and sample-gathering from the Moon. Apollo 17 broke a number of previous records, such as the longest manned lunar landing flight, the longest total lunar surface extravehicular activities, the largest lunar sample return, and the longest time in lunar orbit.
Original color photographic print, December 19, 1972: Larry Summers Collection.
The crawler-transporter-transporter moving a Saturn V to the launch pad at John F. Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39 (LC-39). The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had previously assembled launch vehicles at the pad, stacking them in place. In a then-revolutionary move, NASA began performing vehicle assembly in the new Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) built specifically to assemble the Apollo-Saturn V launch vehicle, on top of the launcher and move the whole assembly to the pad. The huge crawler-transporter goes under the launcher/vehicle and moves it at a maximum speed of one mph to the launch pad.
Original color photographic print: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
The Skylab 4 (SL-4) Saturn IB launch vehicle at Launch Pad 39B of John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. As Project Apollo was winding down and the final three missions (Apollo 18, Apollo 19, and Apollo 20) were canceled, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) looked for ways to repurpose launch vehicles and other equipment. Out of this, Skylab and three space science missions were born. Skylab was conceived by famed rocket designer, Wernher von Braun (1912-1977), to use an unused upper-stage fuel tank and convert it to an orbital laboratory. This was necessitated by NASA's budget being slashed. With the tank becoming the basis of the space station, NASA added solar arrays, a docking adapter, and a space observatory. The Skylab missions were constituted of one mission to put the station in space (Skylab 1), using a modified and last Saturn V to launch, and three crewed missions (Skylab 2, Skylab 3, and Skylab 4) to occupy the lab and perform science, using the smaller Saturn IB booster to launch the three astronaut crews. When launched on May 14, 1973, the station encountered problems immediately. A micrometeoroid shield prematurely deployed and tore off one of the two main solar arrays. NASA engineers went to work and were able to save Skylab and the three crewed missions. Each of the subsequent missions set what were then endurance records for living in space and conducted substantial space science experiments. NASA tried to keep Skylab in orbit after SL-4 and until the Space Shuttle could boast its orbit, but with a decaying orbit, it crashed on July 11, 1979. Skylab 4 was launched from Launch Complex 39B on November 16, 1973, using what was jokingly referred to as a "milk stool" to adapt the launcher to the smaller Saturn IB booster. SL-4's crew consisted of Mission Commander Gerald P. Carr (1932-), Command Module Pilot William R. Pogue (1930-2014), and Science Pilot Edward Gibson (1936-). The mission set a then endurance record of more than 84 days in space.
Original black and white photographic print: Larry Summers Collection.
Skylab 4 (SL-4) Mission Commander Gerald P. Carr (1932-) in front of a transfer van at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. As Project Apollo was winding down and the final three missions (Apollo 18, Apollo 19, and Apollo 20) were canceled, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) looked for ways to repurpose launch vehicles and other equipment. Out of this, Skylab and three space science missions were born. Skylab was conceived by famed rocket designer, Wernher von Braun (1912-1977), to use an unused upper-stage fuel tank and convert it to an orbital laboratory. This was necessitated by NASA's budget being slashed. With the tank becoming the basis of the space station, NASA added solar arrays, a docking adapter, and a space observatory. The Skylab missions were constituted of one mission to put the station in space (Skylab 1), using a modified and last Saturn V to launch, and three crewed missions (Skylab 2, Skylab 3, and Skylab 4) to occupy the lab and perform science, using the smaller Saturn IB booster to launch the three astronaut crews. When launched on May 14, 1973, the station encountered problems immediately. A micrometeoroid shield prematurely deployed and tore off one of the two main solar arrays. NASA engineers went to work and were able to save Skylab and the three crewed missions. Each of the subsequent missions set what were then endurance records for living in space and conducted substantial space science experiments. NASA tried to keep Skylab in orbit after SL-4 and until the Space Shuttle could boast its orbit, but with a decaying orbit, it crashed on July 11, 1979. Skylab 4 was launched from Launch Complex 39B on November 16, 1973, using what was jokingly referred to as a "milk stool" to adapt the launcher to the smaller Saturn IB booster. SL-4's crew consisted of Carr, Command Module Pilot William R. Pogue (1930-2014), and Science Pilot Edward Gibson (1936-). The mission set a then endurance record of more than 84 days in space.
Skylab 4 (SL-4) Science Pilot Edward Gibson (1936-) in front of a transfer van at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. As Project Apollo was winding down and the final three missions (Apollo 18, Apollo 19, and Apollo 20) were canceled, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) looked for ways to repurpose launch vehicles and other equipment. Out of this, Skylab and three space science missions were born. Skylab was conceived by famed rocket designer, Wernher von Braun (1912-1977), to use an unused upper-stage fuel tank and convert it to an orbital laboratory. This was necessitated by NASA's budget being slashed. With the tank becoming the basis of the space station, NASA added solar arrays, a docking adapter, and a space observatory. The Skylab missions were constituted of one mission to put the station in space (Skylab 1), using a modified and last Saturn V to launch, and three crewed missions (Skylab 2, Skylab 3, and Skylab 4) to occupy the lab and perform science, using the smaller Saturn IB booster to launch the three astronaut crews. When launched on May 14, 1973, the station encountered problems immediately. A micrometeoroid shield prematurely deployed and tore off one of the two main solar arrays. NASA engineers went to work and were able to save Skylab and the three crewed missions. Each of the subsequent missions set what were then endurance records for living in space and conducted substantial space science experiments. NASA tried to keep Skylab in orbit after Skylab 4 and until the Space Shuttle could boast its orbit, but with a decaying orbit, it crashed on July 11, 1979. SL-4 was launched from Launch Complex 39B on November 16, 1973, using what was jokingly referred to as a "milk stool" to adapt the launcher to the smaller Saturn IB booster. Skylab 4's crew consisted of Mission Commander Gerald P. Carr (1932-), Command Module Pilot William R. Pogue (1930-2014), and Gibson. The mission set a then endurance record of more than 84 days in space.
Skylab 4 Saturn IB Launch Vehicle Inspection at Launch Pad 39B
An inspection of Skylab 4's Saturn IB launch vehicle at Launch Pad 39B of John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. As Project Apollo was winding down and the final three missions (Apollo 18, Apollo 19, and Apollo 20) were canceled, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) looked for ways to repurpose launch vehicles and other equipment. Out of this, Skylab and three space science missions were born. Skylab was conceived by famed rocket designer, Wernher von Braun (1912-1977), to use an unused upper-stage fuel tank and convert it to an orbital laboratory. This was necessitated by NASA's budget being slashed. With the tank becoming the basis of the space station, NASA added solar arrays, a docking adapter, and a space observatory. The Skylab missions were constituted of one mission to put the station in space (Skylab 1), using a modified and last Saturn V to launch, and three crewed missions (Skylab 2, Skylab 3, and Skylab 4) to occupy the lab and perform science, using the smaller Saturn IB booster to launch the three astronaut crews. When launched on May 14, 1973, the station encountered problems immediately. A micrometeoroid shield prematurely deployed and tore off one of the two main solar arrays. NASA engineers went to work and were able to save Skylab and the three crewed missions. Each of the subsequent missions set what were then endurance records for living in space and conducted substantial space science experiments. NASA tried to keep Skylab in orbit after Skylab 4 (SL-4) and until the Space Shuttle could boast its orbit, but with a decaying orbit, it crashed on July 11, 1979. Skylab 4 (SL-4) was launched from Launch Complex 39B on November 16, 1973, using what was jokingly referred to as a "milk stool" to adapt the launcher to the smaller Saturn IB booster. Skylab 4 (SL-4)'s crew consisted of Mission Commander Gerald P. Carr (1932-), Command Module Pilot William R. Pogue (1930-2014), and Science Pilot Edward Gibson (1936-). The mission set a then endurance record of more than 84 days in space.
Original black and white photographic prints, November 7, 1973: Larry Summers Collection.
Technicians Preparing an Apollo Spacecraft
Technicians working under what is presumed to be a Command Module or a Service Module to prepare it for mating during Project Apollo at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. The Apollo program was the third U.S. manned spaceflight program operated by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Project Apollo ran from 1961 to 1972 and was dedicated to President John F. Kennedy's goal of landing a man on the Moon. The program achieved its goal, and also serves as the first and only manned mission beyond low Earth orbit.
Skylab 4 Astronaut Gerald P. Carr Undergoing Medical Exam
Skylab 4 (SL-4) Mission Commander Gerald P. Carr (1932-) undergoing a medical exam before launch at Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. As Project Apollo was winding down and the final three missions (Apollo 18, Apollo 19, and Apollo 20) were canceled, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) looked for ways to repurpose launch vehicles and other equipment. Out of this, Skylab and three space science missions were born. Skylab was conceived by famed rocket designer, Wernher von Braun (1912-1977), to use an unused upper-stage fuel tank and convert it to an orbital laboratory. This was necessitated by NASA's budget being slashed. With the tank becoming the basis of the space station, NASA added solar arrays, a docking adapter, and a space observatory. The Skylab missions were constituted of one mission to put the station in space (Skylab 1), using a modified and last Saturn V to launch, and three crewed missions (Skylab 2, Skylab 3, and Skylab 4) to occupy the lab and perform science, using the smaller Saturn IB booster to launch the three astronaut crews. When launched on May 14, 1973, the station encountered problems immediately. A micrometeoroid shield prematurely deployed and tore off one of the two main solar arrays. NASA engineers went to work and were able to save Skylab and the three crewed missions. Each of the subsequent missions set what were then endurance records for living in space and conducted substantial space science experiments. NASA tried to keep Skylab in orbit after SL-4 and until the Space Shuttle could boast its orbit, but with a decaying orbit, it crashed on July 11, 1979. Skylab 4 was launched from Launch Complex 39B on November 16, 1973, using what was jokingly referred to as a "milk stool" to adapt the launcher to the smaller Saturn IB booster. SL-4's crew consisted of Carr, Command Module Pilot William R. Pogue (1930-2014), and Science Pilot Edward Gibson (1936-). The mission set a then endurance record of more than 84 days in space.
Skylab 4 Crew at John F. Kennedy Space Center
The Skylab 4 (SL-4) crew at a press conference at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. Photographed from left to right are Command Module Pilot William R. Pogue (1930-2014), Mission Commander Gerald P. Carr (1932-), and Science Pilot Edward Gibson (1936-). As Project Apollo was winding down and the final three missions (Apollo 18, Apollo 19, and Apollo 20) were canceled, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) looked for ways to repurpose launch vehicles and other equipment. Out of this, Skylab and three space science missions were born. Skylab was conceived by famed rocket designer, Wernher von Braun (1912-1977), to use an unused upper-stage fuel tank and convert it to an orbital laboratory. This was necessitated by NASA's budget being slashed. With the tank becoming the basis of the space station, NASA added solar arrays, a docking adapter, and a space observatory. The Skylab missions were constituted of one mission to put the station in space (Skylab 1), using a modified and last Saturn V to launch, and three crewed missions (Skylab 2, Skylab 3, and Skylab 4) to occupy the lab and perform science, using the smaller Saturn IB booster to launch the three astronaut crews. When launched on May 14, 1973, the station encountered problems immediately. A micrometeoroid shield prematurely deployed and tore off one of the two main solar arrays. NASA engineers went to work and were able to save Skylab and the three crewed missions. Each of the subsequent missions set what were then endurance records for living in space and conducted substantial space science experiments. NASA tried to keep Skylab in orbit after Skylab 4 and until the Space Shuttle could boast its orbit, but with a decaying orbit, it crashed on July 11, 1979. SL-4 was launched from Launch Complex 39B on November 16, 1973, using what was jokingly referred to as a "milk stool" to adapt the launcher to the smaller Saturn IB booster. The mission set a then endurance record of more than 84 days in space.
Digital reproduction of original black and white photographic print, November 13, 1973.
The first launch of the Saturn I (SA-1) booster from Launch Complex 34 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Saturn I was the first heavy-lift dedicated space launcher used in the United States. The Saturn I rocket was designed to launch payloads into low Earth orbit and was the most powerful launch vehicle used by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to date. The rocket was used for testing rocket motor technology, aerodynamics, flight control and mockups (boilerplate) versions of the Apollo Command/Service Modules. Ten Saturn I rockets were flown until the model was replaced by the Saturn IB.
Original black and white photographic print, October 26, 1961: Leonard Pugh Collection.
The Skylab 4 (SL-4) crew at Patrick Air Force Base for a press conference. In the first photograph appear, from left to right, Science Pilot Edward Gibson (1936-), Command Module Pilot William R. Pogue (1930-2014), and Mission Commander Gerald P. Carr (1932-). The second photograph shows Carr, Gibson, and Pogue, from left to right. As Project Apollo was winding down and the final three missions (Apollo 18, Apollo 19, and Apollo 20) were canceled, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) looked for ways to repurpose launch vehicles and other equipment. Out of this, Skylab and three space science missions were born. Skylab was conceived by famed rocket designer, Wernher von Braun (1912-1977), to use an unused upper-stage fuel tank and convert it to an orbital laboratory. This was necessitated by NASA's budget being slashed. With the tank becoming the basis of the space station, NASA added solar arrays, a docking adapter, and a space observatory. The Skylab missions were constituted of one mission to put the station in space (Skylab 1), using a modified and last Saturn V to launch, and three crewed missions (Skylab 2, Skylab 3, and Skylab 4) to occupy the lab and perform science, using the smaller Saturn IB booster to launch the three astronaut crews. When launched on May 14, 1973, the station encountered problems immediately. A micrometeoroid shield prematurely deployed and tore off one of the two main solar arrays. NASA engineers went to work and were able to save Skylab and the three crewed missions. Each of the subsequent missions set what were then endurance records for living in space and conducted substantial space science experiments. NASA tried to keep Skylab in orbit after Skylab 4 and until the Space Shuttle could boast its orbit, but with a decaying orbit, it crashed on July 11, 1979. SL-4 was launched from Launch Complex 39B on November 16, 1973, using what was jokingly referred to as a "milk stool" to adapt the launcher to the smaller Saturn IB booster. The mission set a then endurance record of more than 84 days in space.
Original black and white photographic prints, November 13, 1973: Larry Summers Collection.
Mating Apollo Command Module to the Service Module
An early mating of a test Apollo Command Module to the Service Module in Hangar AF in the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) industrial area. The Apollo Command Module was the crew cabin for the Apollo Command/Service Module (CSM). The CSM, along with the Lunar Module (LM), was a spacecraft used during Project Apollo to land astronauts on the moon. It was used in nine manned space flights to the Moon aboard the Saturn V.
Original color photographic print, March 4, 1964: Larry Summers Collection.