Mission to the moon
The Apollo 11 mission was set into motion by President John F. Kennedy on May 25, 1961. The primary reason was because President Kennedy wanted to win the race to space and be the first country to complete a successful manned trip to the moon. There were also additional objectives for the mission including scientific exploration, and experimentation. During the exploration two astronauts were to gather samples of the lunar surface for further study on Earth as well as excessively photograph the landscape.
On July 16, 1969, America held its breath as three brave astronauts, Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, launched from Cape Kennedy onto a 238,900-mile mission to the moon. Millions watched their televisions as Neil Armstrong spoke the unforgettable words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” |
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By 76 hours into the flight that the Columbia had made it to the dark side of the moon and positioned itself into orbit. 100 hours, 12 minutes into the flight the Eagle undocked from the Columbia on its way to the lunar surface. The descent to the moon lasted two hours, and by 109 minutes Armstrong stepped off the ship and left the first foot steps ever stepped on the Moon, Buzz Aldrin followed Armstrong 20 minutes later. Armstrong and Aldrin spent 21 hours, 36 minutes on the moon's surface. They constantly took photographs of the surface and each other, they planted the American flag, and traveled by lunar car collecting samples of the lunar rocks and sand.
Making it to the moon was a huge achievement for America, not only did we win the race to space against Russia, but was also made major scientific break though. However, so many people believe that the entire event was staged and it was all a hoax. Conspiracy theorists have compiled several compelling theories that convince some people that the moon landing was all a hoax, but for every theory there is a logical explanation for each. |