Apollo Space Program Timeline

If you’re interested in exploring the timeline of the Apollo Space Missions, and the age of all the astronauts, you’re in luck! This informative article will take you on a journey through history and give you an overview of the missions that made it all possible.

But that’s not all – this article also features a wealth of infographics that will help you visualize the information presented more engagingly.

From the first Apollo mission, which saw Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first humans to set foot on the moon, to the last, which marked the end of the Apollo program.

Year	Event
1961	President John F. Kennedy sets the goal of landing a man on the moon by the end of the decade
1967	Apollo 1 spacecraft catches fire during a launch rehearsal, killing all three astronauts onboard
1968	Apollo 8 becomes the first manned spacecraft to orbit the moon, with astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders aboard
1969	Apollo 11 lands on the moon, with Neil Armstrong becoming the first human to step on the lunar surface and famously declaring “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”
1972	Apollo 17 becomes the final manned mission to the moon

So whether you’re a space enthusiast or just looking to learn more about one of the most ambitious and groundbreaking programs in human history, this article is the perfect starting point. Get ready to explore the final frontier like never before!

The Apollo Space Missions, a remarkable project undertaken by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) during the 1960s and 1970s, marked a monumental achievement for mankind. Through this initiative, NASA successfully sent humans to the Moon, making history and opening new frontiers in space exploration.

The Apollo Space Missions began in 1961 with the launch of the first unmanned Apollo mission, followed by several other missions that tested critical systems and technologies. In 1969, the Apollo 11 mission, led by astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, finally achieved the ultimate goal of landing on the Moon and taking the first steps on its surface.

Mission Name	Lunar Module Name	Landing Date
Apollo 11	Eagle	July 20, 1969
Apollo 12	Intrepid	November 19, 1969
Apollo 14	Antares	February 5, 1971
Apollo 15	Falcon	July 30, 1971
Apollo 16	Orion	April 20, 1972
Apollo 17	Challenger	December 11, 1972

This table displays the Apollo missions that landed on the moon in chronological order. It also shows the “Mission Name,” “Lunar Module Name,” and “Landing Date.”

Over the course of the Apollo program, a total of six missions successfully landed on the Moon, with numerous other missions focused on tasks such as orbiting the Moon, performing scientific experiments, and testing new spacecraft and equipment.

The program also faced several setbacks, including the tragic Apollo 1 fire that claimed the lives of three astronauts during a pre-launch test in 1967.

Despite the challenges and risks involved, the Apollo Space Missions represented a significant milestone in human history, demonstrating the power of innovation, collaboration, and determination.

The knowledge and insights gained from these missions have paved the way for further space exploration, inspiring future generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers.

This table includes the names and positions of all 24 astronauts who flew on the Apollo missions.

Apollo Mission	Name	Position
Apollo 11	Neil Armstrong	Commander
Apollo 11	Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin	Lunar Module Pilot
Apollo 11	Michael Collins	Command Module Pilot
Apollo 12	Pete Conrad	Commander
Apollo 12	Alan Bean	Lunar Module Pilot
Apollo 12	Dick Gordon	Command Module Pilot
Apollo 13	Jim Lovell	Commander
Apollo 13	Jack Swigert	Command Module Pilot
Apollo 13	Fred Haise	Lunar Module Pilot
Apollo 14	Alan Shepard	Commander
Apollo 14	Edgar Mitchell	Lunar Module Pilot
Apollo 14	Stuart Roosa	Command Module Pilot
Apollo 15	David Scott	Commander
Apollo 15	James Irwin	Lunar Module Pilot
Apollo 15	Al Worden	Command Module Pilot
Apollo 16	John Young	Commander
Apollo 16	Charles Duke	Lunar Module Pilot
Apollo 16	Ken Mattingly	Command Module Pilot
Apollo 17	Eugene Cernan	Commander
Apollo 17	Harrison Schmitt	Lunar Module Pilot
Apollo 17	Ronald Evans	Command Module Pilot

Timeline of Apollo Missions

Apollo Mission	Date (YYYY-MM-DD)	Event
Apollo 7	1968-10-11	First manned Apollo mission; tested spacecraft and systems in Earth orbit.
Apollo 8	1968-12-21	First manned mission to leave Earth orbit; orbited the Moon and returned to Earth.
Apollo 9	1969-03-03	Tested lunar module in Earth orbit; performed first manned flight of lunar module.
Apollo 10	1969-05-18	Orbited the Moon; tested lunar module in lunar orbit without landing.
Apollo 11	1969-07-20	First manned mission to land on the Moon; Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin performed Moonwalks.
Apollo 12	1969-11-19	Conducted precision landing near Surveyor 3 spacecraft on the Moon; Charles “Pete” Conrad and Alan Bean performed Moonwalks.
Apollo 13	1970-04-11	Experienced an explosion in the service module en route to the Moon; returned to Earth safely without landing on the Moon.
Apollo 14	1971-01-31	Conducted science experiments and collected lunar samples; Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell performed Moonwalks.
Apollo 15	1971-07-26	Introduced the Lunar Roving Vehicle; David Scott and James Irwin performed Moonwalks and collected lunar samples.
Apollo 16	1972-04-16	Explored the Descartes Highlands region of the Moon; John Young and Charles Duke performed Moonwalks and collected lunar samples.
Apollo 17	1972-12-07	Explored the Taurus-Littrow Valley region of the Moon; Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt performed Moonwalks and collected lunar samples.

This table shows the name and date of each Apollo mission and a brief description of its key events.

In the historical archives of May 25, 1961, a significant event occurred that would change the course of space exploration.

On this day, U.S. President John F. Kennedy made a bold commitment to land astronauts on the Moon within a decade.

This decision was a turning point in the history of space exploration and signaled a new era of scientific achievement and national pride.

Fast forward to September 12, 1962, and President Kennedy delivered a speech at Rice University in Houston that would become one of his most memorable moments.

In this speech, he passionately declared that the United States would pursue a mission to the Moon, not because it was an easy feat but because it was a challenge worth undertaking.

President Kennedy’s words were a rallying cry for the American people and inspired a generation to pursue scientific progress and exploration. It was a defining moment in history and one that continues to resonate today.

As we reflect on the legacy of President Kennedy and the importance of space exploration, let us remember his words and the vision that inspired us to reach for the stars.

Apollo 1 Tragedy Strikes as Fire Kills Astronauts During Ground Test

Astronaut	Position	Age
Gus Grissom	Commander	40
Ed White	Command Pilot	36
Roger Chaffee	Pilot	31

This table includes the names, positions, and ages of the three crew members of the Apollo 1 mission. Gus Grissom served as the Command Pilot, Ed White was the Senior Pilot, and Roger Chaffee was the Pilot.

Apollo 1 crew. From left: Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Edward White, and
Roger Chaffee. — Apollo 1 crew. From left: Virgil “Gus” Grissom, Edward White, and
Roger Chaffee.

January 27, 1967, marked a tragic event in the history of space exploration, as Astronauts Virgil Grissom, Edward White, and Roger Chaffee lost their lives during a test for the initial Apollo mission. Initially known as Apollo Saturn-204 (AS-204), this mission was later renamed Apollo 1 to pay homage to the fallen astronauts.

Picture of the heroes from Apollo 1. From left: Edward White, Command Pilot Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Commander
Roger Chaffee, Pilot — Picture of the heroes from Apollo 1. From left: Edward White, Command Pilot Virgil “Gus” Grissom, Commander
Roger Chaffee, Pilot

Following this devastating incident, it wasn’t until September 11, 1967, that the numbering of the Apollo missions officially began, starting with the unmanned test flight of Apollo 4. Apollo 5 and 6 also followed suit as unmanned missions. Interestingly, there were no Apollo 2 or Apollo 3 missions in the series.

Apollo 7 Astronauts Successfully Test Apollo Command and Service Modules in Earth Orbit

Astronaut	Position	Age
Wally Schirra	Commander	44
Donn Eisele	Command Module Pilot	37
Walter Cunningham	Lunar Module Pilot	36

This table includes the names, positions, and ages of the three crew members of the Apollo 7 mission. Wally Schirra served as the Commander, Donn Eisele was the Command Module Pilot, and Walter Cunningham was the Lunar Module Pilot.

Left to right. Astronauts Walter Cunningham, Donn F. Eisele, and Walter M. Schirra, Jr.” Photo Credit: NASA

Apollo 7, launched on October 11, 1968, marked the inaugural crewed space mission of the Apollo program.

The three accomplished astronauts, Walter Schirra Jr., Donn Eisele, and Walter Cunningham, were aboard the spacecraft for an impressive duration of 10 days, 20 hours, 9 minutes, and 3 seconds, making it a significant milestone in human space exploration.

During their mission, Apollo 7 completed an impressive 163 orbits around Earth, covering a distance of approximately 4,546,918.3 miles.

The success of this mission paved the way for future missions in the Apollo program, including the historic Apollo 11 moon landing the following year.

The crew of Apollo 7 contributed immensely to our understanding of manned spaceflight and the potential for human exploration beyond our planet.

In conclusion, Apollo 7 represented a remarkable achievement in human space exploration, and the accomplishments of the mission continue to inspire generations of scientists and space enthusiasts. As we look toward the future of space exploration, we are reminded of the significant contributions made by the courageous astronauts of Apollo 7.

Apollo 8 Historic Mission Orbits Moon and Brings Famous “Earthrise” Photo

Astronaut	Position	Age
Frank Borman	Commander	40
Jim Lovell	Command Module Pilot	40
William A. Anders	Lunar Module Pilot	35

This table includes the names, positions, and ages of the three crew members of the Apollo 8 mission. Frank Borman served as the Commander, Jim Lovell was the Command Module Pilot, and William A. Anders was the Lunar Module Pilot.

In December 1968, the historic Apollo 8 mission took place, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. The mission’s primary objective was to fly around the Moon, and it achieved just that, thanks to the efforts of three brave astronauts, namely William Anders, Frank Borman, and James Lovell, Jr. During their six-day journey, they spent an impressive total of 3 hours and 42 seconds in space, orbiting the Moon ten times and covering a distance of 579,606.9 miles.

After a successful splashdown and recovery, the crew of Apollo 8 had the opportunity to speak to the crew of the USS Yorktown.

The Apollo 8 mission was a groundbreaking achievement that paved the way for future space exploration endeavors. It demonstrated the immense potential of human capabilities in space and helped us learn more about the Moon’s surface and its properties. This mission marked the first time humans saw the Earth from afar, emphasizing the need to preserve our planet.

Overall, the Apollo 8 mission was a testament to human ingenuity, bravery, and determination. It remains a significant milestone in human history and serves as a reminder of the limitless potential of human achievement.

Apollo 9 Astronauts Test Lunar Module in Earth Orbit

Astronauts	Position	Age at Launch
James A. McDivitt	Commander	39
David R. Scott	Command Module Pilot	36
Russell L. Schweickart	Lunar Module Pilot	33

In March 1969, Apollo 9 embarked on a crucial mission to assess the Lunar Module’s functionality while in Earth’s orbit. The Apollo 9 team was comprised of three accomplished astronauts: James McDivitt, David Scott, and Russell Schweickart, who gallantly spent an impressive ten days, 1 hour, and 54 seconds in space.

The crew members of Apollo 9 were James A. McDivitt as the Commander, David R. Scott as the Command Module Pilot, and Russell L. Schweickart as the Lunar Module Pilot.

During their time in orbit, Apollo 9 successfully executed 151 revolutions around the Earth, traveling a staggering 4,214,543 miles. The team carried out an extensive range of tests, which proved vital in advancing the space program, paving the way for future missions.

The Apollo 9 mission was a significant milestone in the history of space exploration, and the team’s bravery and commitment to scientific advancement were instrumental in achieving this.

Apollo 10 Dress Rehearsal for Moon Landing Completed with Lunar Module Orbiting Moon

Astronauts	Position	Age at Launch
Thomas P. Stafford	Commander	38
John W. Young	Command Module Pilot	38
Eugene A. Cernan	Lunar Module Pilot	34

In May 1969, NASA conducted a critical space mission, Apollo 10, that served as a prelude to the historic moon landing. The mission involved a team of three astronauts, namely Thomas Stafford, John Young, and Eugene Cernan, who embarked on an 8-day, 23-minute, and 23-second space journey.

At the Kennedy Space Center, the prime crew of the Apollo 10 lunar orbit mission posed for a photo. The crew members, from left to right, were Eugene A. Cernan as the Lunar Module Pilot, Thomas P. Stafford as the Commander, and John W. Young as the Command Module Pilot. — At the Kennedy Space Center, the prime crew of the Apollo 10 lunar orbit mission posed for a photo. From left to right, the crew members were Eugene A. Cernan as the Lunar Module Pilot, Thomas P. Stafford as the Commander, and John W. Young as the Command Module Pilot.

During the mission, the team completed an impressive 31 orbits around the Earth, covering a distance of approximately 829,437.5 miles. The purpose of the mission was to test the lunar module’s capabilities and to simulate the moon landing, making it a crucial rehearsal for the monumental Apollo 11 mission that followed.

As one of the most critical missions in space exploration history, Apollo 10 proved to be a significant success and a major milestone in human space exploration. The crew’s expertise and hard work played a pivotal role in paving the way for future space missions and scientific discoveries.

Apollo 11 First Humans Walk on Moon

Astronauts	Position	Age at Launch
Neil A. Armstrong	Commander	38
Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr.	Lunar Module Pilot	39
Michael Collins	Command Module Pilot	38

July 16-24, 1969, marked a historic moment in human space exploration with the successful landing and walking on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission. The three astronauts who embarked on this groundbreaking mission were none other than Neil Armstrong, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, and Michael Collins.

In this photo, we see the crew of the Apollo 11 lunar landing mission. From left to right, they are Neil A. Armstrong as the Commander, Michael Collins as the Command Module Pilot, and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. as the Lunar Module Pilot.

Armstrong and Aldrin had the privilege of spending a combined 2 hours and 32 minutes on the surface of the Moon. As a team, the trio spent a grand total of 8 days, 3 hours, 18 minutes, and 35 seconds in space, traversing an impressive 953,054 miles. The iconic words “The Eagle has landed…” were famously uttered by Armstrong as the Apollo 11 Lunar Module touched down on the Moon.

His equally memorable words, “…one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind,” were spoken as he took his first steps onto the lunar surface, marking an unparalleled achievement in the history of human space exploration.

Have you ever wondered if one of the most famous quotes in history might have been misquoted? There has been much debate about whether Neil Armstrong actually said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” or if he accidentally left out the word “a.” If you’re curious to learn more about this fascinating topic, be sure to check out our article “Was Neil Armstrong Misquoted?“

Apollo 12 Second Moon Landing Mission Conducts Science and Repairs Surveyor 3

Astronauts	Position	Age at Launch
Charles Conrad, Jr.	Commander	39
Richard F. Gordon, Jr.	Command Module Pilot	39
Alan L. Bean	Lunar Module Pilot	37

In November of 1969, the Apollo 12 mission achieved a groundbreaking feat by executing a precision landing on the Moon. This historic achievement was spearheaded by the three brave astronauts, Charles Conrad, Alan Bean, and Richard Gordon, who left a lasting impact on the world with their accomplishments.

This portrait captures the prime crew of the Apollo 12 lunar landing mission. In the photo, we see, from left to right, Charles "Pete" Conrad Jr. as the Commander, Richard F. Gordon Jr. as the Command Module Pilot, and Alan L. Bean as the Lunar Module Pilot. These three astronauts played critical roles in the mission that marked the second time humans had set foot on the surface of the moon. — This portrait captures the prime crew of the Apollo 12 lunar landing mission. In the photo, we see, from left to right, Charles “Pete” Conrad Jr. as the Commander, Richard F. Gordon Jr. as the Command Module Pilot, and Alan L. Bean as the Lunar Module Pilot. These three astronauts played critical roles in the mission that marked the second time humans had set foot on the surface of the moon.

During the mission, Conrad and Bean spent an impressive 7 hours and 27 minutes on the lunar surface, making significant strides in our understanding of the Moon’s geology and landscape. Meanwhile, all three astronauts completed a total of 10 days, 4 hours, 36 minutes, and 25 seconds in space, covering a staggering distance of 952,354 miles.

The success of the Apollo 12 mission paved the way for future space explorations and expanded our knowledge of the universe. The dedication and hard work of the three astronauts who made this achievement possible will always be remembered as a significant milestone in human history.

Apollo 13 Surviving a Near Disaster

Astronauts	Position	Age at Launch
James A. Lovell, Jr.	Commander	42
John L. “Jack” Swigert, Jr.	Command Module Pilot	38
Fred W. Haise, Jr.	Lunar Module Pilot	36

The space mission Apollo 13, which occurred from April 11 to April 17, 1970, managed to overcome an unexpected oxygen tank explosion. The three crew members aboard the spacecraft were James Lovell Jr., Fred Haise Jr., and Jack Swigert.

In this photo, we see the crew members of the Apollo 13 mission, Jack Swigert, Jim Lovell, and Fred Haise, on the day before their launch. These brave astronauts would soon embark on a historic journey to the moon, but the mission would encounter unexpected challenges that would test their courage and ingenuity.

Despite facing this critical situation, they persevered in space for five days, 22 hours, 54 minutes, and 41 seconds. During the mission, Apollo 13 managed to complete 1.5 orbits around the Earth, covering an impressive distance of 622,268 miles.

During this mission, the famous phrase “Houston, we’ve had a problem…” was uttered by astronaut Jack Swigert, indicating the seriousness of the situation they were facing.

Apollo 14 Astronauts Conduct Science and Explore Fra Mauro Highlands on Moon

Astronauts	Position	Age at Launch
Alan B. Shepard, Jr.	Commander	47
Stuart A. Roosa	Command Module Pilot	37
Edgar D. Mitchell	Lunar Module Pilot	40

The Apollo 14 mission, which took place from January 31 to February 9, 1971, marked the first time humans landed on the lunar highlands. The spacecraft was manned by a crew of three, consisting of Alan B. Shepard, Jr., Edgar D. Mitchell, and Stuart A. Roosa.

This photo shows the prime crew of the Apollo 14 lunar landing mission, comprised of three accomplished astronauts. From left to right, we see Stuart A. Roosa as the Command Module Pilot, Alan B. Shepard Jr. as the Commander, and Edgar D. Mitchell as the Lunar Module Pilot. These skilled astronauts played key roles in the third successful landing on the moon, paving the way for future space exploration and scientific discovery.

During the mission, Shepard and Mitchell spent a combined total of 9 hours and 35 minutes on the surface of the Moon, conducting experiments and collecting samples. Meanwhile, Roosa remained in orbit around the Moon, operating equipment and conducting experiments of his own.

In total, the Apollo 14 crew spent 9 days and 2 seconds in space, traveling a distance of 1,150,321 miles. The mission was a significant achievement for the United States and the field of space exploration, paving the way for future missions to the Moon and beyond.

Apollo 15 First Mission with Lunar Rover Conducts Extensive Lunar Surface Science

Astronauts	Position	Age at Launch
David R. Scott	Commander	39
Alfred M. Worden	Command Module Pilot	39
James B. Irwin	Lunar Module Pilot	41

The Apollo 15 mission, which took place from July 26 to August 7, 1971, marked a significant milestone in space exploration. It was the first time that a lunar rover was used during a mission, enabling the three astronauts on board to conduct extensive explorations of the Moon’s surface.

This photograph captures the prime crew of the Apollo 15 mission, which included three experienced astronauts. From left to right, we see David R. Scott as the Commander, Alfred M. Worden as the Command Module Pilot, and James B. Irwin as the Lunar Module Pilot. These astronauts played crucial roles in the fourth successful landing on the moon, conducting important scientific experiments and exploring the lunar surface in greater detail than ever before.

David Scott, James Irwin, and Alfred Worden were the three astronauts who made up the Apollo 15 crew. During their mission, Scott and Irwin spent a combined total of 37 hours and 20 minutes on the Moon’s surface, conducting experiments and collecting samples. Meanwhile, Worden orbited the Moon, conducting observations and experiments from the Command Module.

In total, the Apollo 15 crew spent an impressive 12 days, 17 hours, and 12 minutes in space, covering a distance of 1,274,137 miles. Their mission contributed greatly to our understanding of the Moon’s geology and provided valuable insights into the potential for future lunar exploration.

Apollo 16 Astronauts Explore Descartes Highlands on Moon and Collect Rock Samples

Astronauts	Position	Age at Launch
John W. Young	Commander	42
Thomas K. Mattingly II	Command Module Pilot	36
Charles M. Duke, Jr.	Lunar Module Pilot	36

In the year 1972, the Apollo 16 mission was conducted, which involved exploring the lunar highlands. The mission was undertaken by a team of three experienced astronauts, namely John Young, Charles Duke, and Thomas Mattingly. During the mission, Young and Duke were able to spend an impressive total of 20 hours and 15 minutes on the surface of the Moon, conducting various experiments and collecting samples.

This photograph showcases the prime crew of the Apollo 16 lunar landing mission, which included three accomplished astronauts. From left to right, we see Thomas K. Mattingly II as the Command Module Pilot, John W. Young as the Commander, and Charles M. Duke Jr. as the Lunar Module Pilot.

The Apollo 16 mission lasted for a total of 11 days, 1 hour, and 51 minutes, during which the team traveled a massive distance of 1,391,550 miles in space. The astronauts were equipped with the latest technology and equipment, which enabled them to conduct a variety of scientific experiments and collect valuable data about the Moon’s geology, environment, and other characteristics.

Overall, the Apollo 16 mission was a remarkable achievement in the field of space exploration, and it contributed significantly to our understanding of the Moon’s surface and its composition. The efforts of the three astronauts, who worked tirelessly to accomplish their mission objectives, were commendable and remained an inspiration to this day.

Apollo 17 Final Moon Landing Mission Conducts Geology and Conducts Famous “Blue Marble” Photo

Astronauts	Position	Age at Launch
Eugene A. Cernan	Commander	38
Ronald E. Evans	Command Module Pilot	37
Harrison H. Schmitt	Lunar Module Pilot	37

The Apollo 17 mission, which took place from December 7 to 19th, 1972, marked the final time that humans set foot on the Moon. The team of three astronauts, consisting of Eugene Cernan, Harrison Schmitt, and Ron Evans, was tasked with conducting a series of scientific experiments and gathering geological samples from the lunar surface.

In this photo, we see the prime crew for the Apollo 17 lunar landing mission, consisting of three accomplished astronauts. Eugene A. Cernan, seated at the center, served as the Commander, while Ronald E. Evans, standing on the right, was the Command Module Pilot. Harrison H. Schmitt, on the left, served as the Lunar Module Pilot. — This photo shows the prime crew for the Apollo 17 lunar landing mission, consisting of three accomplished astronauts. Eugene A. Cernan, seated at the center, served as the Commander, while Ronald E. Evans, standing on the right, was the Command Module Pilot. Harrison H. Schmitt, on the left, served as the Lunar Module Pilot.

During their mission, Cernan and Schmitt each spent an impressive total of 22 hours and 5 minutes outside of their spacecraft, exploring the rugged terrain and conducting research. The three astronauts worked tirelessly for a total of 12 days, 13 hours, and 52 minutes, covering a staggering distance of 1,484,933.8 miles during their journey through space.

As the last manned mission to the Moon, Apollo 17 remains an important moment in human history and a testament to the incredible achievements of the astronauts who participated in the program. Their bravery and dedication continue to inspire future generations of space explorers.

The 12 Astronauts Who Made History by Walking on the Moon

Astronaut	Mission	Year
Neil Armstrong	Apollo 11	1969
Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin	Apollo 11	1969
Charles “Pete” Conrad, Jr.	Apollo 12	1969
Alan L. Bean	Apollo 12	1969
Alan B. Shepard, Jr.	Apollo 14	1971
Edgar D. Mitchell	Apollo 14	1971
David R. Scott	Apollo 15	1971
James B. Irwin	Apollo 15	1971
John W. Young	Apollo 16	1972
Charles M. Duke, Jr.	Apollo 16	1972
Eugene A. Cernan	Apollo 17	1972
Harrison H. Schmitt	Apollo 17	1972

Throughout history, only a select few individuals have been fortunate enough to set foot on the Moon. To date, a mere twelve astronauts have had the privilege of walking on its surface, marking a remarkable milestone in human space exploration. Additionally, the Moon has received a total of 24 human visitors, including those who orbited around it.

Apollo 11: The Pioneers

The first astronauts to land on the Moon were Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin of Apollo 11. On July 20, 1969, Armstrong famously declared, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” as he took the first step on the lunar surface. This mission marked a new era of space exploration and proved that it was possible for humans to travel beyond Earth.

Apollo 12: A Successful Follow-Up

Just four months later, in November 1969, Apollo 12 touched down on the Moon’s surface. This mission was a successful follow-up to the groundbreaking Apollo 11, with astronauts Alan Bean and Pete Conrad conducting multiple experiments and collecting valuable data on the Moon’s geology and magnetic field.

Apollo 14: A Lunar Golf Game

In January 1971, the Apollo 14 mission saw astronauts Alan Shepard, and Edgar Mitchell set foot on the Moon. Shepard famously hit two golf balls on the lunar surface, demonstrating the reduced gravity on the Moon. The mission also included experiments on seismic activity and the Moon’s atmosphere.

Apollo 15: The First Lunar Rover

The Apollo 15 mission, launched in July 1971, was the first to use a lunar rover vehicle. Astronauts David Scott and James Irwin drove the rover on the Moon’s surface, conducting experiments and collecting samples from various locations. The mission also included a stunning televised broadcast of a hammer and feather dropped simultaneously on the Moon, illustrating the effects of gravity.

Apollo 16: A Longer Stay

In April 1972, the Apollo 16 mission saw astronauts John Young and Charles Duke stay on the Moon for a longer duration than previous missions. They conducted extensive geological surveys and collected a wide range of samples, including rocks and regolith.

Apollo 17: The Final Mission

The last mission to the Moon was Apollo 17 in December 1972, with astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt completing a three-day stay on the lunar surface. This mission included using the lunar rover and collecting an impressive 243 pounds of samples. Cernan famously said, “We leave as we came, and, God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind.”

Lunar landing sites: locations of the six Apollo lunar landing sites, each site’s terrain, and geological features.

Lunar Landing Site	Location	Terrain	Geological Features
Apollo 11	Sea of Tranquility	Flat, sandy plain	Small craters, boulders, and rocks
Apollo 12	Ocean of Storms	Rolling, hilly terrain	Surveyor III spacecraft, volcanic ash
Apollo 14	Fra Mauro highlands	Rugged, mountainous terrain	Craters, boulders, and rocks, highlands rocks
Apollo 15	Hadley-Apennine	Mountainous terrain	Hadley Rille, Dune fields, Craters
Apollo 16	Moon’s Descartes Highlands	Rough terrain with large boulders	Craters, large boulders, lunar rock formations
Apollo 17	Taurus-Littrow valley	Valley surrounded by mountains	Lunar Roving Vehicle, impact craters, boulders, and rocks

This infographic shows the locations of the six Apollo lunar landing sites, including information about each site’s terrain and geological features.

Conclusion

The accomplishment of sending 12 astronauts to walk on the Moon was a true testament to human ingenuity and determination. These missions paved the way for further space exploration and the development of new technologies. We honor the bravery and skill of these trailblazers and continue to look to the skies with wonder and awe.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and please feel free to browse my website for more interesting facts about the Mission to the Moon, and especially Apollo 11.

To learn more about the first landing on the moon, check out our article, First Apollo Mission to Land on the Moon: A Historic Milestone.