American actor Patrick Fugit arrives on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
Canadian actor Ryan Gosling arrives on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
From left to right, producers Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, and Isaac Klausner attend the premiere of Universal's feature film "First Man” Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington. The movie is based on the book by Jim Hansen that chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. It was directed by Damien Chazelle and stars Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
American actress Olivia Hamilton arrives on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
American actor Lukas Haas arrives on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
NASA's Cindy Steele, left, and Bert Ulrich, right, attend the premiere of Universal's feature film "First Man” Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington. The movie is based on the book by Jim Hansen that chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. It was directed by Damien Chazelle and stars Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
NASA's Chief Historian, Bill Barry, attends the premiere of Universal's feature film "First Man” Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington. The movie is based on the book by Jim Hansen that chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. It was directed by Damien Chazelle and stars Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei, right, speaks with Director and Producer Damien Chazelle at the premiere of Universal's feature film "First Man” Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington. The movie is based on the book by Jim Hansen that chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. It was directed by Damien Chazelle and stars Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
American actor Shea Whigham arrives on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
American actor Pablo Schreiber arrives on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
American actress Olivia Hamilton arrives on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
Executive Producer and writer Josh Singer arrives on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
English actress Claire Foy, left, and Canadian actor Ryan Gosling, right, arrive on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
English actress Claire Foy arrives on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
American actor Lukas Haas arrives on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
American actor Brian D'Arcy James arrives on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
Costume Designer Mary Zophres arrives on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
American actor Patrick Fugit arrives on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
Author James Hansen, left, arrives on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei and his wife Julie attend the premiere of Universal's feature film "First Man” Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington. The movie is based on the book by Jim Hansen that chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. It was directed by Damien Chazelle and stars Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
American actor Lukas Haas is interviewed by Entertainment Tonight after arriving on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
English actress Claire Foy, left, and Canadian actor Ryan Gosling, right, arrive on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
Canadian actor Ryan Gosling, center, poses for a photo with Neil Armstrong's sons, Rick, left, and Mark, right after arriving on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
NASA astronaut Joe Engle attends the premiere of Universal's feature film "First Man” Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington. The movie is based on the book by Jim Hansen that chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. It was directed by Damien Chazelle and stars Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
American actor Ethan Embry, left, arrives on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
English actress Claire Foy, left, and actor Gavin Warren arrive on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
NASA Advisor Frank Hughes, right, attends the premiere of Universal's feature film "First Man” Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington. The movie is based on the book by Jim Hansen that chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. It was directed by Damien Chazelle and stars Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
NASA Acting Associate Administrator, Office of Communications, Bob Jacobs, attends the premiere of Universal's feature film "First Man” Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington. The movie is based on the book by Jim Hansen that chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. It was directed by Damien Chazelle and stars Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
American actor Cory Michael Smith arrives on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
Canadian actor Ryan Gosling is interviewed by Entertainment Tonight after arriving on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei and his wife Julie attend the premiere of Universal's feature film "First Man” Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington. The movie is based on the book by Jim Hansen that chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. It was directed by Damien Chazelle and stars Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
Neil Armstrong's sons, Mark, left, and Rick, second from right, attend the premiere of Universal's feature film "First Man” Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington. The movie is based on the book by Jim Hansen that chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. It was directed by Damien Chazelle and stars Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
From left to right, American actress Lucy Brooke Stafford, American actor Gavin Warren, and American actress Claire Smith arrive on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei, right, and his wife Julie, center, pose for photo with Director and Producer Damien Chazelle at the premiere of Universal's feature film "First Man” Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington. The movie is based on the book by Jim Hansen that chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. It was directed by Damien Chazelle and stars Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei, right, and his wife Julie, center, pose for a photo with English actress Claire Foy, at the premiere of Universal's feature film "First Man” Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington. The movie is based on the book by Jim Hansen that chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. It was directed by Damien Chazelle and stars Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
From left to right, American actor Gavin Warren, American actress Lucy Brooke Stafford, American actress Olivia Hamilton, and American actress Claire Smith arrive on the red carpet for the premiere of the film "First Man" at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
The cast of the film "First Man" pose for a photo after arriving on the red carpet for the premiere at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 in Washington. The film is based on the book by Jim Hansen, and chronicles the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from test pilot to his historic Moon landing. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
S66-51581 (June 1966) --- Prime crew for the first manned Apollo mission practice water egress procedures with full scale boilerplate model of their spacecraft. In the water at right is astronaut Edward H. White (foreground) and astronaut Roger B. Chaffee. In raft near the spacecraft is astronaut Virgil I. Grissom. NASA swimmers are in the water to assist in the practice session that took place at Ellington AFB, near the Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston.
S72-52630 (February 1972) --- This is the emblem for the first manned Skylab mission. It will be a mission of up to 28 days. Skylab is an experimental space station consisting of a 100-ton laboratory complex in which medical, scientific and technological experiments will be performed in Earth orbit. The prime crew of this mission will be astronaut Charles Conrad Jr., commander; scientist-astronaut Joseph P. Kerwin, science pilot; and astronaut Paul J. Weits, pilot. The patch, designed by artist Kelly Freas, shows the Skylab silhouetted against the Earth's globe, which in turn is eclipsing the sun--showing the brilliant signet-ring pattern of the instant before the total eclipse. Photo credit: NASA
S68-26668 (June 1968) --- The official emblem of Apollo 7, the first manned Apollo space mission. The crew will consist of astronauts Walter M. Schirra Jr., Donn F. Eisele, and Walter Cunningham. The NASA insignia design for Apollo flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for the official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the form of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which we do not anticipate, it will be publicly announced.
S68-18700 (22 Jan. 1968) --- Two prime crew members of the first manned Apollo space flight were present at Cape Kennedy for the launch of the Apollo V (LM-1/Saturn 204) unmanned space mission. On left is astronaut Walter M. Schirra Jr.; and on right is astronaut R. Walter Cunningham. In background is the Apollo V stack at Launch Complex 37 ready for launch.
S66-51583 (June 1966)--- Prime crew members announced by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for the first manned Apollo 1 space flight practice water egress procedures in a swimming pool at Ellington Air Force Base (EAFB), Houston, Texas. Astronaut Edward H. White II rides life raft in the foreground. Astronaut Roger B. Chaffee sits in hatch of the boilerplate model of the spacecraft. Astronaut Virgil I. Grissom, third member of the crew, waits inside the spacecraft.
This is an enhanced contrast version of the first Mars photograph released on July 15, 1965. This is man first close-up photograph of another planet, a photographic representation of digital data radioed from Mars by the Mariner 4 spacecraft.
During 1980 and the first half of 1981, the Marshall Space Flight Center conducted studies concerned with a relatively low-cost, near-term, manned space platform to satisfy current user needs, yet capable of evolutionary growth to meet future needs. The Science and Application Manned Space Platform (SAMSP) studies were to serve as a test bed for developing scientific and operational capabilities required by later, more advanced manned platforms while accomplishing early science and operations. This concept illustrates a manned space platform.
This montage depicts the flight crew patches for the manned Apollo 7 thru Apollo 17 missions. The Apollo 7 through 10 missions were basically manned test flights that paved the way for lunar landing missions. Primary objectives met included the demonstration of the Command Service Module (CSM) crew performance; crew/space vehicle/mission support facilities performance and testing during a manned CSM mission; CSM rendezvous capability; translunar injection demonstration; the first manned Apollo docking, the first Apollo Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA), performance of the first manned flight of the lunar module (LM); the CSM-LM docking in translunar trajectory, LM undocking in lunar orbit, LM staging in lunar orbit, and manned LM-CSM docking in lunar orbit. Apollo 11 through 17 were lunar landing missions with the exception of Apollo 13 which was forced to circle the moon without landing due to an onboard explosion. The craft was,however, able to return to Earth safely. Apollo 11 was the first manned lunar landing mission and performed the first lunar surface EVA. Landing site was the Sea of Tranquility. A message for mankind was delivered, the U.S. flag was planted, experiments were set up and 47 pounds of lunar surface material was collected for analysis back on Earth. Apollo 12, the 2nd manned lunar landing mission landed in the Ocean of Storms and retrieved parts of the unmanned Surveyor 3, which had landed on the Moon in April 1967. The Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP) was deployed, and 75 pounds of lunar material was gathered. Apollo 14, the 3rd lunar landing mission landed in Fra Mauro. ALSEP and other instruments were deployed, and 94 pounds of lunar materials were gathered, using a hand cart for first time to transport rocks. Apollo 15, the 4th lunar landing mission landed in the Hadley-Apennine region. With the first use of the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV), the crew was bale to gather 169 pounds of lunar material. Apollo 16, the 5th lunar landing mission, landed in the Descartes Highlands for the first study of highlands area. Selected surface experiments were deployed, the ultraviolet camera/spectrograph was used for first time on the Moon, and the LRV was used for second time for a collection of 213 pounds of lunar material. The Apollo program came to a close with Apollo 17, the 6th and final manned lunar landing mission that landed in the Taurus-Littrow highlands and valley area. This mission hosted the first scientist-astronaut, Schmitt, to land on the Moon. The 6th automated research station was set up, and 243 ponds of lunar material was gathered using the LRV.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Apollo 11 Commander Neil A. Armstrong waves to well-wishers in the hallway of the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building as he and Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. prepare to be transported to Launch Complex 39A for the first manned lunar landing mission
S73-18667 (January 1973) --- Astronaut Paul J. Weitz, pilot for the Skylab 2 first manned mission, is suited up for Skylab training activity in the mission simulation and training facility at the Manned Spacecraft Center. Photo credit: NASA
S73-24303 (May 1973) --- These three astronauts have been named by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration as the prime crew of the first manned Skylab mission. They are, left to right, Joseph P. Kerwin, science pilot; Charles Conrad Jr., commander; and Paul J. Weitz, pilot. Skylab is a three-part program consisting of one 28-day and two 56-day manned visits spanning an eight-month period. One day prior to the launch of this crew, the unmanned Skylab space station cluster will be launched and placed in Earth orbit. The first manned mission will last up to 28 days. Photo credit: NASA
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Apollo command and service modules scheduled for manned landing missions on the moon cross paths in the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building at the spaceport. The meeting occurred last night when the CSM for Apollo 11 was being hoisted out of a test chamber and the CSM for Apollo 12, which recently arrived at Kennedy Space Center, was getting its initial checkouts in the aisle. Apollo 11 is scheduled for the first manned lunar landing mission this summer. Photo credit: NASA
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- John Glenn and Scott Carpenter, designated the prime pilot and backup respectively for the first U.S. manned orbital spaceflight. Photo credit: NASA
JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, HOUSTON, TEXAS - The official Apollo 11 mission patch. Apollo 11 is the first manned lunar landing by the Apollo_Saturn V.
Apollo/Saturn Program: In January 1962, NASA initiated development of the large launch vehicle for the Project Apollo manned lunar flights. The Saturn V configuration comprised the S-IC first stage, the S-II second stage and the S-IVB third stage, all integrated and stacked in the Vehicle Assembly Building. The first manned Apollo spacecraft launched on the mighty Saturn V was Apollo 8 on December 21, 1968. Poster designed by Kennedy Space Center Graphics Department/Greg Lee. Credit: NASA
This photograph shows the Saturn V launch vehicle (SA-506) for the Apollo 11 mission liftoff at 8:32 am CDT, July 16, 1969, from launch complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Apollo 11 was the first manned lunar landing mission with a crew of three astronauts: Mission commander Neil A. Armstrong, Command Module pilot Michael Collins, and Lunar Module pilot Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr. It placed the first humans on the surface of the moon and returned them back to Earth. Astronaut Armstrong became the first man on the lunar surface, and astronaut Aldrin became the second. Astronaut Collins piloted the Command Module in a parking orbit around the Moon.
S73-17859 (January 1973) --- Astronaut Paul J. Weitz, pilot for Skylab 2 (first Skylab manned) mission, looks over off-duty recreational equipment in the crew quarters of the Skylab Orbital Workshop (OWS) trainer during Skylab simulation activity at the Manned Spacecraft Center. The equipment includes such items as tape decks and stereo music equipment, playing cards, darts, etc. The OWS is a component of the Skylab space station cluster which will be launched unmanned aboard a Saturn V in summer of 1973, and will be visited three times by three-man crews over an eight month period. Photo credit: NASA
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Apollo 11 flight crew are given instructions by technicians and management while undergoing the Extravehicular Activity (EVA) training and the Lunar Module walk-through in preparation for the first manned landing on the Moon.
In 1973, Skylab, America's first space station, was launched aboard a two-stage Saturn V vehicle. Saturn IB rockets were used to launch three different three-man crews to the Skylab space station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Apollo 11 prime crew poses for a photograph during a walk-through egress test. The hands-on test is in preparation for the first manned lunar landing mission scheduled for liftoff in July
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Launch of Friendship 7, the first manned orbital space flight. Astronaut John Glenn aboard, the Mercury-Atlas rocket is launched from Pad 14. Photo credit: NASA
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Launch of Friendship 7, the first manned orbital space flight. Astronaut John Glenn aboard, the Mercury-Atlas rocket is launched from Pad 14. Photo credit: NASA
In 1973, Skylab, America's first space station, was launched aboard a two-stage Saturn V vehicle. Saturn IB rockets were used to launch three different three-man crews to the Skylab space station.
The urgency and importance of the Marshall Space Flight Center's mission in the 1960s was apparent from the begirning. It became even more apparent on April 12, 1962, when the Soviet cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, became the first man in space.
S73-24369 (17 April 1973) --- The three members of the prime crew of the first manned Skylab mission discuss their scheduled flight before a gathering of news media representatives, in building 1 auditorium, April 17, 1973. They are (left to right) astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., commander; Paul J. Weitz, pilot; and scientist Joseph P. Kerwin, science-pilot. Skylab is a three-part program consisting of one 28-day; and two 56-day manned visits spanning an eight-month period. One day prior to the launch of this crew, the unmanned Skylab Space Station cluster will be launched and placed in Earth orbit. The first manned mission will last up to 28 days. Photo credit: NASA
Astronaut Alan B. Shepard, Jr. during suiting for the first manned suborbital flight, MR-3 mission. The Freedom 7 spacecraft, carrying the first American, Astronaut Shepard and boosted by the Mercury-Redstone launch vehicle, lifted off on May 5, 1961.
S79-31775 (29 April 1979) --- These two astronauts are the prime crewmen for the first flight in the Space Transportation System (STS-1) program. Astronauts John W. Young, left, commander, and Robert L. Crippen, pilot, will man the space shuttle orbiter 102 Columbia for the first orbital flight test. Photo credit: NASA
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Apollo 11 Command Module Pilot Michael Collins appears to be explaining a point about his spacesuit glove to technician Joe Schmitt during suiting operations in the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building prior to the astronauts' departure to Launch Pad 39A. The three astronauts, Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., Neil A. Armstrong and Michael Collins will then board the Saturn V launch vehicle, scheduled for a 9:32 a.m. EDT liftoff for the first manned lunar landing.
NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver, right, shares a moment with Apollo 17 mission commander Gene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon, left, as U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, center looks on prior to a memorial service celebrating the life of Neil Armstrong, Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, at the Washington National Cathedral. Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon during the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, died Saturday, Aug. 25. He was 82. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Neil Armstrong, former Apollo 11 astronaut, and first man to walk on the moon, talks about his experiences for an enthusiastic audience at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, part of the KSC Visitor Complex. The occasion was a banquet celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch and moon landing, July 16 and July 20, 1969. Among other guests at the banquet were astronauts Wally Schirra, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin and Walt Cunningham. Gene Cernan was the last man to walk on the moon
Speaking to Congress and the Nation at the joint session of Congress on May 25, 1961, President Kennedy said : "I believe that this Nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to Earth." National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) achieved the goal of the first manned lunar landing on July 20, 1969.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Apollo 11 Commander Neil A. Armstrong leads Astronauts Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., from the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building to the transfer van for the eight mile trip to Pad 39A. Liftoff of Apollo 11 is scheduled at 9:32 a.m. EDT, which will begin man’s first lunar landing mission.
S72-17509 (19 Jan. 1972) --- These three men are the crewmen for the first manned Skylab mission. They are astronaut Charles Conrad Jr., commander, standing left; scientist-astronaut Joseph P. Kerwin, seated; and astronaut Paul J. Weitz, pilot. They were photographed and interviewed during an "open house" press day in the realistic atmosphere of the Multiple Docking Adapter (MDA) trainer in the Mission Simulation and Training Facility at the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC). The control and display panel for the Apollo Telescope Mount (ATM) is at right. Photo credit: NASA
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- READIED FOR FLIGHT - Project Mercury's second manned suborbital space flight, Liberty Bell 7, from Cape Canaveral, Fla., will be attempted during the week of July 16, utilizing this 58-foot Mercury-Redstone vehicle. Significant advances have been made in the design of the Mercury spacecraft and the astronaut's personal equipment. Flight will be similar to MR-3, the first manned Mercury flight May 5, 1961; however, the pilot will have more time for making Earth and celestial observations. (NASA Photo)
A photograph of Neil Armstrong as a young man is displayed on a table during a memorial service celebrating the life of Armstrong, Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, at the Camargo Club in Cincinnati. Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon during the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, died Saturday, Aug. 25. He was 82. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Apollo 17 astronaut Gene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon, speaks during a memorial service celebrating the life of Neil Armstrong at the Washington National Cathedral, Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon during the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, died Saturday, Aug. 25. He was 82. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Apollo 11 Commander Neil A. Armstrong leads astronauts Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. from the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building to the transfer van for the eight-mile trip to Pad 39A. Liftoff of Apollo 11 is scheduled at 9:32 a.m. EDT, which will begin man's first lunar landing mission.
Portrait of Robert R. Gilruth. More than anyone else at Langley, began to push the idea that manned spaceflight was the next great challenge for aeronautic engineers. As head of NASA s Space Task Group, he was responsible for planning and carrying out Project Mercury, the country's first manned spaceflight program. Photograph published in Engineer in Charge: A History of the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory, 1917-1958 by James R. Hansen. Page 386.
U.S. Navy F/A-18 jets from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 and Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34, from Naval Air Station Oceana (Va.) fly in a "Missing Man" formation over the Camargo Club following a memorial service celebrating the life of Neil Armstrong, Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, in Cincinnati. Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon during the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, died Saturday, Aug. 25. He was 82. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
S73-25399 (8 May 1973) --- Astronaut Paul J. Weitz, prime crew pilot of the first manned Skylab mission, is suited up in Bldg. 5 at Johnson Space Center (JSC) during prelaunch training activity. He is assisted by astronaut Charles Conrad, Jr., prime crew commander. The man in the left background is wearing a face mask to insure that Conrad, Joseph Kerwin and Weitz are not exposed to disease prior to launch. Photo credit: NASA
S73-25283 (8 May 1973) --- Astronaut Paul J. Weitz, prime crew pilot of the first manned Skylab mission, is suited up in Bldg. 5 at Johnson Space Center during prelaunch training activity. He is assisted by astronaut Charles Conrad Jr., prime crew commander. The man in the left background is wearing a face mask to insure that Conrad, Joseph Kerwin and Weitz are not exposed to disease prior to launch. Photo credit: NASA
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Astronaut Alan B. Shepard is being assisted by a technician in getting into his space suit at 2:45 a.m. this morning, beginning the long countdown of the scheduled launch of the Mercury Redstone. After Astronaut Shepard is suited up, he will travel by van to the Redstone Gantry on Pad 5 and be placed into the Mercury Capsule, called Freedom 7, on top of the Redstone booster rocket. Astronaut Shepard will pilot the first U.S. manned sub-orbital space flight of the Manned Mercury Program.
S68-42513 (5 Aug. 1968) --- Apollo Spacecraft 101 Command/Service Modules being moved into position for mating with Spacecraft Lunar Module Adapter (SLA)-5 in the Kennedy Space Center's Manned Spacecraft Operations Building. Apollo Spacecraft 101 will be flown on the first manned Apollo space mission, Apollo 7 (Spacecraft 101/Saturn 205).
S72-17512 (19 Jan. 1972) --- These three men are the crewmen for the first manned Skylab mission. They are astronaut Charles Conrad Jr., commander, standing left; scientist-astronaut Joseph P. Kerwin, seated; and astronaut Paul J. Weitz, pilot. They were photographed and interviewed during an "open house" press day in the realistic atmosphere of the Multiple Docking Adapter (MDA) trainer in the Mission Simulation and Training Facility at the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC). The control and display panel for the Apollo Telescope Mount (ATM) is at right. Photo credit: NASA
SA-206 lifts off from Kennedy Space Center's launch complex 39B, in Florida, on May 25, 1973, for the first manned Skylab mission (SL-2) with astronauts Pete Conrad, Joseph Kerwin, and Paul Weitz. The Saturn IB, developed under the direction of the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), launched five manned Earth-orbital missions between 1968 and 1975: Apollo 7, Skylab 2, Skylab 3, Skylab 4, and the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP).
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Apollo 7 spacecraft - Spacecraft 101 - is lifted out of the vacuum chamber today following successful manned test runs in the spaceport's Manned Spacecraft Operations Building. The spacecraft, which will be the first Apollo to be flown with a crew, was moved to a work stand in the MSOB for further fitting out before being taken to Launch Pad 34 on Cape Kennedy. There it will be mated to its Saturn 1B launch vehicle. Photo credit: NASA
Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong is looking over flight plans while being assisted by a spacesuit technician during suiting operations in the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building (MSOB) prior to the astronauts' departure to Launch Pad 39A. The three astronauts, Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., Neil A. Armstrong and Michael Collins will then board the Saturn V launch vehicle, scheduled for a 9:32 a.m. EDT liftoff, for the first manned lunar landing mission
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Apollo 7 prime crew members, front to back, Donn F. Eisele, Walter M. Schirra Jr. and Walter Cunningham, leave the Kennedy Space Center's Manned Spacecraft Operations Building for a 20-minute ride in a transfer van to Cape Kennedy's Launch Complex 34, where they participated in a Space Vehicle Emergency Egress Test. The trio will pilot the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's first manned Apollo mission.
Apollo 17 mission commander Gene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon, speaks during a memorial service celebrating the life of Neil Armstrong at the Washington National Cathedral, Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon during the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, died Saturday, Aug. 25. He was 82. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Apollo 11 astronaut Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. is being assisted by a spacesuit technician during suiting operations in the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building prior to the astronauts' departure to Launch Pad 39A. The three astronauts, Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., Neil A Armstrong and Michael Collins, will then board the Saturn V launch vehicle, scheduled for a 9:32 a.m. EDT liftoff for the first manned lunar landing mission.
Apollo 17 mission commander Gene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon, looks skyward during a memorial service celebrating the life of Neil Armstrong at the Washington National Cathedral, Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon during the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, died Saturday, Aug. 25. He was 82. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
The Apollo Telescope Mount (ATM), designed and developed by the Marshall Space Flight Center, was one of four major components comprising the Skylab (1973-1979). The ATM housed the first manned scientific telescope in space. This photograph shows the ATM rigged for altitude and space simulation tests at the Space Environment Simulation Laboratory of the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC). The MSC was renamed the Johnson Space Center (JSC) in early 1973.
Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong prepares to put on his helmet with the assistance of a spacesuit technician during suiting operations in the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building (MSOB) prior to the astronauts' departure to Launch Pad 39A. The three astronauts, Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., Neil A Armstrong and Michael Collins, will then board the Saturn V launch vehicle, scheduled for a 9:32 a.m. EDT liftoff, for the first manned lunar landing mission
A photograph of Neil Armstrong as a young man is displayed on a table during a memorial service celebrating the life of Armstrong, Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, at the Camargo Club in Cincinnati. Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon during the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, died Saturday, Aug. 25. He was 82. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Apollo 11 astronaut Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. appears to be relaxed during suiting operations in the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building (MSOB) prior to the astronauts' departure to Launch Pad 39A. The three astronauts, Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., Neil A. Armstrong and Michael Collins, will then board the Saturn V launch vehicle, scheduled for a 9:32 a.m. EDT liftoff, for the first manned lunar landing mission
The Apollo Telescope Mount (ATM), designed and developed by the Marshall Space Flight Center, was one of four major components comprising the Skylab (1973-1979). The ATM housed the first manned scientific telescope in space. This photograph is of the ATM thermal systems unit undergoing testing in the Space Environment Simulation Laboratory of the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC). The ATM thermal systems unit was used to control the temperatures of space instrument's subsystems during a mission. The MSC was renamed the Johnson Space Center (JSC) in early 1973.
Among several other NASA dignitaries, former astronaut Neil A. Armstrong visited the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in attendance of the annual NASA Advisory Council Meeting. While here, Mr. Armstrong was gracious enough to allow the casting of his footprint. This casting will join those of other astronauts on display at the center. Armstrong was first assigned to astronaut status in 1962. He served as command pilot for the Gemini 8 mission, launched March 16, 1966, and performed the first successful docking of two vehicles in space. In 1969, Armstrong was commander of Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing mission, and gained the distinction of being the first man to land a craft on the Moon and the first man to step on its surface. Armstrong subsequently held the position of Deputy Associate Administrator for Aeronautics, NASA Headquarters Office of Advanced Research and Technology, from 1970 to 1971. He resigned from NASA in 1971. Pictured with Armstrong is MSFC employee Daniel McFall, who assisted with the casting procedure.
Neil Armstrong, donned in his space suit, poses for his official Apollo 11 portrait. Armstrong began his flight career as a naval aviator. He flew 78 combat missions during the Korean War. Armstrong joined the NASA predecessor, NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics), as a research pilot at the Lewis Laboratory in Cleveland and later transferred to the NACA High Speed Flight Station at Edwards AFB, California. He was a project pilot on many pioneering high speed aircraft, including the 4,000 mph X-15. He has flown over 200 different models of aircraft, including jets, rockets, helicopters, and gliders. In 1962, Armstrong was transferred to astronaut status. He served as command pilot for the Gemini 8 mission, launched March 16, 1966, and performed the first successful docking of two vehicles in space. In 1969, Armstrong was commander of Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing mission, and gained the distinction of being the first man to land a craft on the Moon and the first man to step on its surface. Armstrong subsequently held the position of Deputy Associate Administrator for Aeronautics, NASA Headquarters Office of Advanced Research and Technology, from 1970 to 1971. He resigned from NASA in 1971.
STS026-S-031 (29 Sept 1988) --- Just moments after ignition, the Space Shuttle Discovery, mated to two solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank, heads, toward Earth orbit. The mission marks Discovery?s first flight since September of 1985 and NASA?s first manned mission since September of 1985 and NASA?s first manned mission since the 51L Challenger accident of January 28, 1986. Onboard the spacecraft are Astronauts Frederick H. (Rick) Hauck, commander; Richard O. Covey, pilot; and George D. Nelson, John M. (Mike) Lounge and David C. Hilmers, mission specialists. Discovery?s dry weight is 171,419 pounds. The tracking and data relay satellite and its inertial upper stage total about 37,000 pounds.
S68-42343 (5 Aug. 1968) --- The prime crew of the first manned Apollo space mission, Apollo 7, stands on the deck of the NASA Motor Vessel Retriever after suiting up for water egress training in the Gulf of Mexico. Left to right, are astronauts Walter Cunningham, Donn F. Eisele, and Walter M. Schirra Jr.
S81-33178 (12 April 1981) --- The two solid rocket boosters are jettisoned from the climbing space shuttle Columbia as a successful launch phase continues for NASA's first manned space mission since 1975. Astronauts John W. Young and Robert L. Crippen are aboard Columbia. Photo credit: NASA
Astronaut John Glenn Jr. is honored by President John F. Kennedy after Glenn's historical first manned orbital flight, Mercury-Atlas 6. The ceremony was held in front of Hangar S at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. To Glenn's left are his wife, Annie, daughter, Lyn, and his son, David.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Astronauts Deke Slayton, far left, and Virgil Grissom, far right, were on hand to greet Astronaut Alan B. Shepard at Grand Bahama Island after his historic first U.S. manned suborbital flight. Just behind Astronaut Shepard is Dr. Keith Lyndell.