Space Shuttle Discovery Launch for STS-103
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
The Space Shuttle Discovery launched on mission STS-103 from Pad 39B at John F. Kennedy Space Center, to service the Hubble Space Telescope. The nighttime is a spectacular backdrop to the beginning of the mission. 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 that was mostly reusable, as the shuttles themselves and the solid rocket boosters were reused multiple times. Space shuttles were launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) and Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida.
Original color photographic prints, December 19, 1999: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Chronopoints
John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida
Space Shuttle Discovery Launch for STS-95
The Space Shuttle Discovery launching for STS-95 mission from Launch Pad 39B at John F. Kennedy Space Center, in Merritt Island, Florida, with research payloads. 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 that was mostly reusable, as the shuttles themselves and the solid rocket boosters were reused multiple times. Space shuttles were launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) and Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida.
Original color photographic print, October 29, 1998: Leonard Pugh Collection.
The Moon seen through the edge of Earth's atmosphere from a Space Shuttle in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). 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 that was mostly reusable, as the shuttles themselves and the solid rocket boosters were reused multiple times. Space shuttles were launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) and Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida.
Original color photographic print: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Solid Rocket Motor, Qualification Motor-6 Static Test
As a result of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, primary contractor Morton Thiokol redesigned the solid rocket boosters for the shuttle. This photograph features a static test of the redesigned rocket booster for flight qualification and was conducted at the manufacturer facility in Utah. 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 that was mostly reusable, as the shuttles themselves and the solid rocket boosters were reused multiple times. Space shuttles were launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) and Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida.
Original color photographic print, April 20, 1988: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Space Shuttle Columbia Lifts Off Into Space
The Space Shuttle Columbia launching from Launch Complex 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. 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 that was mostly reusable, as the shuttles themselves and the solid rocket boosters were reused multiple times. Space shuttles were launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) and Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida.
Landing of STS-56 Space Shuttle Discovery
The Space Shuttle Discovery landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, on mission STS-56. 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 that was mostly reusable, as the shuttles themselves and the solid rocket boosters were reused multiple times. Space shuttles were launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) and Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida.
Original color photographic print, April 17, 1993: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Space Shuttle Discovery Launch for STS-26
For the STS-26 mission, the Space Shuttle Discovery launched from Launch Pad 39B at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, with the main objective to deploy the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-C). 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 that was mostly reusable, as the shuttles themselves and the solid rocket boosters were reused multiple times. Space shuttles were launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) and Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida.
Original color photographic print, September 29, 1988: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Space Shuttle Atlantis Returning to Earth After Its First Mission
The Space Shuttle Atlantis touching down at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB) in California after its initial mission. 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 that was mostly reusable, as the shuttles themselves and the solid rocket boosters were reused multiple times. Space shuttles were launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) and Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida.
Original color photographic print, October 7, 1985: Leonard Pugh Collection.
The launch of Space Shuttle Columbia from Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center on mission STS-9 on November 28, 1983. Also known as STS-41A and Spacelab 1, STS-9 was the first flight carrying the European Space Agency's (ESA) Spacelab. 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 that was mostly reusable, as the shuttles themselves and the solid rocket boosters were reused multiple times. Space shuttles were launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) and Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida.
Original color photographic print, November 28, 1983: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Space Shuttle Discovery on Launch Pad 39A
On the evening prior to its maiden flight (STS-41D) on August 30, 1984, Space Shuttle Discovery on Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. 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 that was mostly reusable, as the shuttles themselves and the solid rocket boosters were reused multiple times. Space shuttles were launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) and Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida.
Original color photographic print, August 29, 1984: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Space Shuttle Enterprise on Launch Pad 39A
The Shuttle Enterprise being taken via crawler-transporter to John F. Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A for a facilities verification test. Enterprise was not used for space flight, but rather for a series of landing tests after being flown to altitude on the back of a Boeing 747 jet. 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 that was mostly reusable, as the shuttles themselves and the solid rocket boosters were reused multiple times. Space shuttles were launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) and Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida.
Original color photographic print, May 1, 1979: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Space Shuttle Enterprise Landing at Dryden Flight Research Center
The Space Shuttle Enterprise landing at Dryden Flight Research Center (present-day Armstrong Flight Research Center) at Palmdale, California. Enterprise was not used for space flight, but rather for a series of landing tests after being flown to altitude on the back of a Boeing 747 jet. 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 that was mostly reusable, as the shuttles themselves and the solid rocket boosters were reused multiple times. Space shuttles were launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) and Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida.
Original color photographic print, August 12, 1977: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Dryden Flight Research Center, Palmdale, California
Crew 1 and Crew 2 with Space Shuttle Enterprise
The first two crews for the Space Shuttle Enterprise during the Approach and Landing Tests. Photographed, from left to right, are Crew 1 Pilot C. Gordon Fullerton (1946-2013), Crew 1 Mission Commander Fred Haise (1933-), Crew 2 Mission Commander Joe Engle (1932-), and Crew 2 Pilot Richard H. Truly (1937-). Rockwell International built the Space Shuttle Fleet in Palmdale, California. Enterprise was not used for space flight, but rather for a series of landing tests after being flown to altitude on the back of a Boeing 747 jet. 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 that was mostly reusable, as the shuttles themselves and the solid rocket boosters were reused multiple times. Space shuttles were launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) and Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida.
Boeing 747 Transporting the Space Shuttle Columbia
The Space Shuttle Columbia, the first operational Space Shuttle, landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility of John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, atop a Boeing 747 transport airplane. 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 that was mostly reusable, as the shuttles themselves and the solid rocket boosters were reused multiple times. Space shuttles were launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) and Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. Columbia launched for the first time on April 12, 1981, and completed 27 missions before disintegrating during re-entry at the end of STS-107, its 28th mission, on February 1, 2003. Known as the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, the accident resulted in the death of all seven crew members: Mission Commander Rick Husband (1957-2003), Pilot William C. McCool (1961-2003), and Mission Specialists David M. Brown (1956-2003), Kalpana Chawla (1962-2003), Michael P. Anderson (1959-2003), Laurel Clark (1961-2003), and Ilan Ramon (1954-2003).
Original color photographic prints: Leonard Pugh Collection.
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 that was mostly reusable, as the shuttles themselves and the solid rocket boosters were reused multiple times. Space shuttles were launched from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) and Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida.
Astronaut Neil Armstrong in Mobile Quarantine Facility
Mission Commander Neil Armstrong (1930-2012) playing the ukulele in the Mobile Quarantine Facility aboard the USS Hornet after the astronaut's recovery in the Pacific Ocean. 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 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: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
A map of Florida in French from 1780, when the territory was under British rule. In 1763, Spain traded Florida in exchange for Havana, Cuba, which had been captured by the British during the Seven Years' War. Many Spanish settlers and indigenous people left Florida for Cuba. The British divided the territory into East Florida and West Florida, which consisted of most of the Florida Panhandle and parts of present-day Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. During this period, a large number of British settlers migrated to Florida, particularly present-day Duval County, Baker County, St. Johns County, and Nassau County. One key settler was a Scotchman named Dr. Andrew Turnbull (1718–1792), who established a settlement at New Smyrna. During the American Revolution, the majority of Floridians expressed loyalty to the British Crown and the colony declined to send delegates to the Continental Congress. When the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, the Florida territory was returned to Spanish control.
Original map, 1780: Leonard Pugh Collection.
A map of Florida created by J. Lee Williams when the area was a U.S. territory in 1837. Florida came under American control on March 30, 1822, with Tallahassee as its capital. Much of Florida's territorial history is marked by conflict with Seminole tribes. When the United States first gained the territory, many Seminoles and free blacks migrated to Central Florida, South Florida, Cuba, or the Bahamas. In 1832, the federal government and a number of Seminole chiefs signed the Treaty of Payne's Landing. The terms of the agreement promised the Seminoles land west of the Mississippi River if they agreed to leave the Florida Territory voluntarily. The U.S. Army began enforcing the treaty in 1835, leading to the Dade Massacre and the Second Seminole War, led primarily by Osceola (born Billy Powell). The war ended in 1842 with the forced exile of most Seminoles. Florida became a state three years later in 1845.
Original map by J. Lee Williams, 1837: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Backup Apollo 13 Mission Commander John Young (1930-) practices scooping soil samples at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) 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. While Young did not serve on the Apollo 13 mission, he did fly on Gemini 3 as Pilot, Gemini 10 as Command Pilot, Apollo 10 as Command Module Pilot, and Apollo 16, Space Transportation System-1 (STS-1), and STS-9 (Spacelab 1) as Mission Commander.
Original black and white photographic print, February 19, 1970: Larry Summers Collection.
What was supposed to be the crew of Apollo 13 consisting of Command Module Pilot Ken Mattingly (1936-), Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise (1933-), and Mission Commander Jim Lovell (1928-) in front of the Saturn V after it was moved to Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. Mattingly was replaced on the mission by Command Module Pilot Jack Swigert (1831-1982) after he was exposed to German measles. 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, December 15, 1969: Larry Summers Collection.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) personnel in the firing room of the Launch Control Center (LCC) at John F. Kennedy Space Center In Merritt Island, Florida, preparing to test launch procedures for the Apollo 13 mission, which 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.
Recovery Helicopter Above Apollo 13 Capsule
With the USS Iwo Jima in the background, a U.S. Navy helicopter hovers above the Apollo 13 capsule after it safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean. 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, April 17, 1970: Larry Summers Collection.
Apollo 13 Crew on the USS Iwo Jima After Recovery
Swigert, John L. (John Leonard), 1931-1982
Photographed, from left to right, are Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise (1933-), Mission Commander Jim Lovell (1928-) and Command Module Pilot Jack Swigert (1931-1982) aboard the recovery ship USS Iwo Jima after safely splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. 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.
Underwater Testing Materials for the Skylab Heat Shield
Workers creating underwater testing materials for the Skylab heat shield at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. After the nearly catastrophic launch of the Skylab, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) worked to solve the problems created by the troubled launch. As part of that work, employees workers at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, created a net to simulate deployment underwater of the proposed heat shield. As Project Apollo was winding down and the final three missions (Apollo 18, Apollo 19, and Apollo 20) were canceled, NASA looked for ways to repurpose launch vehicles and other equipment. Out of this, Skylab and three space science missions were born. Skylab was born out a concept first proposed 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 NASA's budget being slashed. With the tank becoming the basis of the space station, NAS) 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 boost its orbit, but with a decaying orbit it crashed on July 11, 1979.
Original black and white photographic print, May 19, 1973: Larry Summers Collection.
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama
A portrait of Mission Commander Alan Shepard (1923-1998), the first American in space, likely taken around the time of his Apollo 14 flight. Shepard was the only Mercury Seven, as the original seven astronauts were called, to also walk on the Moon. 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: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
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.
Original color photographic print, July 16, 1969: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Manned Spacecraft Operations Building, John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida
Command Module Pilot Donn F. Eisele (1930-1987) for the Apollo 7 mission, which launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) atop a Saturn IB booster 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 mission lasted 10 days and tested many of the systems needed to accomplish the Moon landing. The crew included Eisele, Mission Commander Wally Schirra(1923-2007), and Lunar Module Pilot Walter Cunningham (1932-).
The unmanned Apollo 4 (AS-501) was the first launch of the Saturn V booster and the first flight from Launch Pad 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. Apollo 4 was a test flight of the Saturn V, which was used in future mission to send men to the Moon. The flight was launched on November 9, 1967, although it was initially planned for late 1966. Apollo 4 was delayed by development issues with S-II, the second stage of the Saturn V rocket, and to a lesser extent, by wiring defects discovered in the Apollo spacecraft.
Original color photographic print, November 9, 1967: Larry Summers Collection.
Engineers Checking Deployment of Apollo 16's Lunar Rover
Engineers checking the deployment of the Lunar Rover for Apollo 16 (AS-511) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. Apollo 16 was the tenth manned mission of Project Apollo, the fifth mission to land men on the Moon, and the first to land in the lunar highlands. The mission was crewed by Mission Commander John Young (1930-) (1930-), Lunar Module Pilot Charles Duke (1935-), and Command Module Pilot Ken Mattingly (1936-), and launched from KSC on April 16, 1972. Young and Duke spent nearly three days on the lunar surface conducting three extravehicular activities (EVA), also known as moonwalks. The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) used was the second time one had been used during a lunar landing mission. The Apollo 16 landed back on Earth in the South Pacific Ocean on April 27.
Original black and white photographic print, December 10, 1971: Larry Summers Collection.
Lovell Family Observing the Apollo 8 Launch
The family of Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell (1928-) observing the first manned launch of the Saturn V rocket during the Apollo 8 (AS-503) mission. Photographed from left to right are James Lovell (1955-), Jeffrey Lovell (1966-), Susan Lovell (1958-), Marilyn Lillie Gerlach Lovell (1930-), and Barbara Lovell (1953-). Apollo 8 was the first manned launch of a Saturn V booster and mission to leave Earth orbit. It launched from John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, on December 21, 1968, with Lovell, Commander Frank Borman (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, December 21, 1968: Larry Summers Collection.
Apollo 11 Crew at Pre-Launch Press Conference
The crew of Apollo 11 at the last press conference before their flight. Photographed from left to right are Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-), Mission Commander Neil Armstrong (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 returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
Original black and white photographic print, July 14, 1969: Larry Summers Collection.
Crowds Observing the Apollo 11 Launch Along Florida State Road A1A
Crowds gather along Florida State Road A1A (SR A1A), also known as Florida State Road 528 (SR 528) or Martin Andersen Beachline Expressway (formerly known as the Martin Andersen Bee Line Expressway or the Bee Line), to observe the launch of Apollo 11. 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 print, July 16, 1969: Larry Summers Collection.
Florida State Road A1A, Merritt Island, Florida
Larry Summer Filming the Launch Control Center
Larry Summers filming the Launch Control Center (LCC) at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida. The LCC is used for the supervision of manned mission launches from Launch Complex 39 (LC-39). The first launch to use the LCC was the unmanned Apollo 4 (Apollo-Saturn 501) on November 9, 1967. Apollo 8, the first manned mission, was launched on December 21, 1968.
Original black and white photographic print: Larry Summers Collection.
Apollo Command/Service Module and Lunar Module
An Apollo Command/Service Module (CSM) and Lunar Module (LM) assembly being hoisted for stacking on top of the Saturn V rocket in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. 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.
The Apollo 11 crew eating dinner the night before the flight with other astronauts at the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building (MSOB) of John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. Photographed in the foreground, from left to right, are astronauts Fred Haise (1933-), Deke Slayton (1924-1993), Jim Lovell (1928-), Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-, and Ken Mattingly (1936-). Across the table, from left to right, are astronauts Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-), Mission Commander Neil Armstrong (1930-2012), William Anders (1933-), and Ronald Evans (1933-1990). 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 black and white photographic print, July 15, 1969: Leonard Pugh Collection.
The plaque attached to the leg of the Lunar Module (LM) of the Apollo 11 spacecraft. 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 print: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Apollo 11 Astronaut Buzz Aldrin Examining Lunar Surface Photographs
Prior to the Apollo 11 mission, Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-) examining lunar surface photographs taken by an unmanned probe. 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 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 print, July 14, 1969: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
Apollo 11 Astronaut Neil Armstrong at Pre-Launch Breakfast
Mission Commander Neil Armstrong (1930-2012) eating breakfast at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, before 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 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 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 print, July 16, 1969: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-) in his spacesuit in preparation for the Apollo 11 flight 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 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 returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
Mission Commander Neil Armstrong (1930-2012) in his spacesuit in preparation for the Apollo 11 flight 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 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 print, June 16, 1969: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-) in his spacesuit in preparation for the Apollo 11 flight 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 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 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.
Apollo 11 Astronaut Neil Armstrong Practicing Moon Landing
At Ellington Air Force Base (originally called Ellington Field) in Houston, Texas, Mission Commander Neil Armstrong (1930-2012) practicing the moon landing with the Lunar Landing Training Vehicle (LLTV). 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 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.
Ellington Air Force Base, Houston, Texas
Astronaut Michael Collins During Apollo 11 Training
Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-) training on the Command Module (CM) Procedures Simulator at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida, for Apollo 11. 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 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 print, June 19, 1969: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
Astronaut Michael Collins in the Command Module Procedures Simulator
Command Module Pilot Michael Collins (1930-) training on the Command Module (CM) Procedures Simulator at Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, for the Apollo 11 mission. 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 returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
Original black and white photographic print, December 9, 1968: Space Walk of Fame Collection.
Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
Apollo 11 Astronaut Buzz Aldrin Aboard the Lunar Module
Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin (1930-) aboard the Lunar Module (LM( during 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 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.
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 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 20, 1969: Leonard Pugh Collection.
Earth on the Lunar Horizon During the Apollo 11 Mission
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.