Days Since This Historic Event
July 20, 1969 marked a moment that changed history — when humans first set foot on the Moon. Today, we’re launching a mission to ensure that moment is permanently honored with a federal holiday: Lunar Landing Day.
This effort isn’t just about remembering Apollo. It’s about reigniting national pride, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers, and creating space to celebrate the collaborative spirit that made the impossible, possible.
Timeline of Apollo 11
The Apollo 11 mission, launched by NASA on July 16, 1969, stands as a monumental achievement in human history. Its primary objective was to successfully land astronauts on the Moon and safely return them to Earth.
Led by Commander Neil Armstrong, Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin, and Command Module Pilot Michael Collins, this mission marked the culmination of years of scientific, engineering, and technological innovation.
July 16, 1969
July 16, 1969
06:32 AM EDT: Apollo 11 launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
July 17, 1969
July 17, 1969
Spacecraft enters Earth orbit and begins journey to the Moon.
July 18, 1969
July 18, 1969
Spacecraft enters lunar orbit. Lunar Module separates from Command Module.
July 19, 1969
July 19, 1969
Lunar Module performs descent orbit insertion burn.
July 20, 1969
July 20, 1969
04:17 PM EDT: Lunar Module lands on the Moon’s surface in the Sea of Tranquility.
July 20, 1969
July 20, 1969
10:39 PM EDT: Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin step onto the lunar surface.
July 21, 1969
July 21, 1969
05:55 AM EDT: Lunar Module’s ascent stage lifts off from the Moon.
July 21, 1969
July 21, 1969
01:54 PM EDT: Ascent stage docks with Command Module in lunar orbit.
July 22, 1969
July 22, 1969
Lunar Module jettisoned and crashes into the Moon.
July 22, 1969
July 22, 1969
12:56 PM EDT: Apollo 11 fires its main engine to return to Earth.
July 24, 1969
July 24, 1969
Apollo 11 reenters Earth’s atmosphere.
July 24 1969
July 24 1969