The 50th Anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing

NASA photo	NASA photo

Looking Back and Leaping Forward

On July 20, 1969, the world watched as Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon and into history as the first person to walk on the moon. Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education, as well as organizations across the nation, celebrates the 50th anniversary of this event and the 50th anniversary of the Apollo missions. This page will provide information on events associated with the anniversary, as well as resources for educators.

Apollo 11's main objective was to complete a national goal set by President John F. Kennedy on May 25, 1961: perform a crewed lunar landing and return to Earth. Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin crewed Apollo 11, which launched from Cape Kennedy on July 16, 1969.

Four days later, the lunar module -- the Eagle -- took Armstrong and Aldrin to the moon, where the two astronauts spent 21 hours and 36 minutes on the moon's surface at the Sea of Tranquility. "The Eagle has landed: Remembering the Apollo 11 moon mission."

Michael Collins remained in the Command Module in lunar orbit with a load of worry on his shoulders and a vital job to do- return the team to Earth.

On July 24, Apollo 11 splashed down in the Pacific Ocean.

Events:

Civil Air Patrol's CHALLENGE

U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Space Camp's Global Launch celebrates the liftoff of the Apollo 11 mission on July 16, the 50th anniversary of the liftoff. Apollo 11 launched from Cape Kennedy carrying its crew on top of a Saturn V rocket.  NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center,  where the Saturn V was developed, is located in Huntsville, Alabama. The rocket center is calling all educators, community leaders, families and rocket enthusiasts to join the celebration with their own rocket launch of any kind of rocket on July 16. CAP will be involved nationwide.  Find out more at U.S. Space & Rocket Center website. 

Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center is honoring the celebration of the Apollo Program's 50th Anniversary throughout the year.

Upcoming.

• On July 16, visitors can relive the historic launch of Apollo 11 in real time. Read more.
• On July 20, a special celebration of the 50th anniversary of the "giant leap." Read more.
• On July 24, Kennedy Space Center will host a welcome home celebration 50 years to the date of the Apollo 11 splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. Read more.

Find out more information on these and all events here.

Nationwide Listing

Check the NASA-compiled listing of events, which may require attendance fees. NASA may be providing exhibits or speakers at the events, but they are not considered "NASA events." See the listing here.