One Small Step For Man...

JFK set the timetable. Put a man on the moon within the decade.

July 20, 1969 - it happened.

It is an interesting date. People who lived before the moon walk are still amazed by it. People born after the date tend to think, "Yeah, I guess that's cool, but it's a little ho-hum. Hand me my IPOD, will ya?"

It is still one of the greatest engineering achievements of all human history - in spite of the silly conspiracy theories. Speaking of conspiracy theories - how come the same people who think the moon landing never happened believe that Stonehenge was built by aliens from outer space? Just curious. Anyways, I digress.

So, in honor of one of the coolest events (to date) in history, enjoy these.
All pictures © NASA, except the New York Times paper, which is © NYT






The 2Valuable (borrowed) Photographic History of Apollo 11

Launched - July 16, 1969 at 13:32:00 UTC

Lunar Landing - July 20, 1969 at 20:17:40 UTC


Landed on Earth - July 24, 1969 at 16:15:35 UTC

Crew

Neil Armstrong, commander

Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, lunar module pilot (who retired as a Colonel)

Michael Collins, command module pilot (who retired as a Major General)

Best Catchphrases:
"Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed."

"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

And still on the moon, the lunar module, with this plaque: