16 july 1969: “One Small Step” The story of Apollo 11.
Apollo 11 was the first mission to land humans on the Moon, and it marked a historic achievement for the United States and humanity. The mission was launched on July 16, 1969, at 9:32 a.m. EDT (8:32 a.m. CDT) from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A in Florida. The crew consisted of three astronauts: Neil A. Armstrong, the commander; Michael Collins, the command module pilot; and Edwin E. “Buzz” Aldrin Jr., the lunar module pilot. The mission was the culmination of a decade-long effort by NASA and its contractors to develop the technology and expertise needed for lunar exploration.
The launch vehicle that carried Apollo 11 into orbit was the Saturn V, the most powerful rocket ever built. It had three stages, each with its own engine and fuel tanks. The first stage, or S-IC, was powered by five F-1 engines that burned kerosene and liquid oxygen for about 2.5 minutes, generating 7.5 million pounds of thrust and lifting the rocket to an altitude of about 42 miles (68 kilometers). The second stage, or S-II, was powered by five J-2 engines that burned liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen for about 6 minutes, increasing the speed of the rocket to about 15,300 mph (24,600 km/h) and reaching an altitude of about 109 miles (175 kilometers). The third stage, or S-IVB, was powered by one J-2 engine that burned liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen for about 2.5 minutes, placing the spacecraft into a low Earth orbit of about 120 miles (193 kilometers).
The spacecraft that carried the astronauts to the Moon consisted of three modules: the command module (CM), the service module (SM), and the lunar module (LM). The CM, named Columbia, was a cone-shaped capsule that housed the crew during most of the mission. It had a heat shield to protect it from the high temperatures during reentry into Earth’s atmosphere, a docking mechanism to connect with the LM, and a hatch to allow spacewalks. The SM, attached to the back of the CM, contained the main propulsion system, electrical power system, oxygen and water tanks, and other support systems. The LM, named Eagle, was a two-stage spacecraft that carried two astronauts to and from the lunar surface. It had a descent stage with four landing legs, a descent engine, fuel tanks, and equipment for surface operations; and an ascent stage with a cockpit, an ascent engine, fuel tanks, and a docking mechanism.
After reaching orbit, the Saturn V’s third stage reignited for about 5 minutes to boost the spacecraft out of Earth’s orbit and toward the Moon. This maneuver, called translunar injection (TLI), increased the speed of the spacecraft to about 24,200 mph (38,900 km/h) and set it on a trajectory that would take about three days to reach lunar orbit. After TLI, the CSM separated from the third stage and turned around to dock with the LM, which was stored inside an adapter at the top of the third stage. The CSM then pulled away from the third stage with the LM attached to its nose. The third stage was then jettisoned into a heliocentric orbit.
The CSM-LM combination, called the lunar orbit rendezvous (LOR) mode, was chosen by NASA as the most efficient way to land humans on the Moon. It reduced the mass and complexity of the spacecraft that had to be launched from Earth and returned safely. It also allowed for more flexibility in choosing landing sites and abort options in case of emergencies.
During their journey to the Moon, the astronauts performed several tasks to ensure their safety and success. They checked their systems and equipment, made course corrections using their thrusters or main engine as needed, communicated with mission control in Houston via radio or television transmissions, conducted scientific experiments and observations and took photographs and videos of Earth and space.
The Apollo 11 mission was a historic achievement for humanity and science. It marked the first time that humans landed on the lunar surface and returned safely to Earth. The mission also collected valuable scientific data and samples that enhanced our understanding of the Moon and its origin. The mission’s success was the result of decades of research, development, and collaboration among thousands of engineers, scientists, and astronauts.
In conclusion, the Apollo 11 mission was a milestone in the exploration of space and a testament to human ingenuity and courage. It inspired generations of people to pursue their dreams and aspirations, and to seek new frontiers of knowledge and discovery. The Apollo 11 mission also demonstrated the importance of international cooperation and peaceful use of space for the benefit of all mankind.