July 20, 1969. It's a little over eight years since President Kennedy's challenge to put a man on the moon before the decade is out, and the challenge is being met.
When the Apollo 11 lunar module nicknamed Eagle landed on the Sea of Tranquility at 4:18 p.m., only 30 seconds of fuel remain. Astronaut Neil Armstrong radios, “Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.” And a few hours later, Armstrong stepped off the lunar lander and made his famous “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
It was an unprecedented slice of derring-do that has shaped us cultural and scientifically ever since, and it remains one of humankind’s most amazing adventures.
As part of our coverage of the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, we want your memories of that historic day. Send your memories to [email protected] and we will post some of best responses.
