One Small Step for Man

Experience the historic journey of humanity's first steps on the lunar surface. Explore the technology, the people, and the incredible story behind the Apollo 11 mission that changed our perspective of the universe forever.

Explore the Mission

The Apollo 11 Mission

Apollo 11 was the spaceflight that first landed humans on the Moon. Commander Neil Armstrong and lunar module pilot Buzz Aldrin formed the American crew that landed the Apollo Lunar Module Eagle on July 20, 1969, at 20:17 UTC.

Armstrong became the first person to step onto the lunar surface six hours and 39 minutes later on July 21 at 02:56 UTC; Aldrin joined him 19 minutes later. They spent about two and a quarter hours together outside the spacecraft, and collected 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) of lunar material to bring back to Earth.

3
Astronauts
8
Days in Space
21.5kg
Moon Rocks

Apollo 11 Spacecraft

Mission Timeline

July 16, 1969 - Launch

Apollo 11 launched from Cape Kennedy on July 16, 1969, carrying Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin into an initial Earth-orbit.

July 20, 1969 - Moon Landing

At 20:17 UTC, the Eagle lunar module landed in the Sea of Tranquility. Armstrong radioed "Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed." with just 30 seconds of fuel remaining.

July 21, 1969 - First Steps

Neil Armstrong became the first human to step on the Moon at 02:56 UTC. His famous words: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Buzz Aldrin joined him 19 minutes later.

July 24, 1969 - Return to Earth

The crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on July 24 after traveling 953,054 miles in 195 hours, 18 minutes, 35 seconds. They were picked up by the USS Hornet.