Neil Armstrong

Legendary Countdown Preceded the First Moon Landing Mission

By Bob Granath | February 8, 2024

A countdown first was used as part of a rocket’s launch to the Moon in the 1929 science-fiction movie “Frau im Mond” (Woman in the Moon). Ironically, a countdown led to the voyage of Neil Armstrong, Mike Collins and Buzz Aldrin completing the first mission to actually land humans on the Moon 40 years later. The day Apollo 11 lifted off on its extraordinary flight, July 16, 1969, hundreds of millions on every continent around the world watched and listened on live television to what became the most famous countdown.

Father and Son Record NASA Triumphs Through Artists’ Eyes

By Bob Granath | July 24, 2023

Each year during mid-July, space historians celebrate one of the most momentous events of the 20th Century. For the first time, humans left Earth to land on the Moon. Many nations around the world have extensively celebrated the mission of Apollo 11 on postage stamps. In the United States, the most iconic commemoratives include works of art by a father and son team – Paul and Chris Calle.

The U.S. Edges Ahead in the Race for Space, Shoots for the Moon

By Bob Granath | November 28, 2022

The “Space Race” between the United States and the Soviet Union remains an often studied and debated period of the 20th Century. While the Russians began with a lead, once challenged, the leadership of President John F. Kennedy resulted in Americans surpassing their Cold War rival on the way to the Moon. While the effort was politically motivated, the technology that came from space exploration built the modern world.

Apollo 16 Explores the Moon’s Mysterious Descartes Highlands

By Bob Granath | April 5, 2022

“That’s the most gorgeous sight I believe I have ever seen,” said Apollo 16 lunar module pilot Charlie Duke. He was looking at a 363-foot-tall Saturn V rocket on the launch pad the day before it rocketed him the Moon. Duke, along with veteran astronaut John Young and fellow rookie Ken Mattingly, piloted NASA’s fifth lunar landing mission in April 1972 – 50 years ago.

Why Do We Explore?

By Bob Granath | March 18, 2022

Throughout history, humankind has shared an innate trait – the desire to explore. Prehistoric men and women may have stood curiously at the opening of caves and wondered what was over the next hill. Centuries later, a teenager in New England envisioned a trip to a distant planet. With the rollout of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) mega-rocket and Orion spacecraft, the agency now is preparing a return to the Moon as a steppingstone to an eventual expedition to Mars.

Gemini IX Crew Finds ‘Angry Alligator’ in Earth Orbit

By Bob Granath | June 3, 2021

NASA’s Gemini IX mission was another step in developing technology for future spaceflights from Apollo to the agency’s upcoming Artemis Program designed to return astronauts to the Moon followed by exploration of Mars. But, this 1966 mission included developing alternate plans when faced with the unexpected.

Gemini’s First Docking Turns to Wild Ride in Orbit

By Bob Granath | March 16, 2021

In early 1966, Gemini VIII chalked up another crucial spaceflight technology milestone for the United States. But the triumph quickly became an in-flight emergency, testing NASA’s quick-thinking skills to bring the astronauts safely home — 55 years ago this month.

Lunar Encore Leads to First Precision Extraterrestrial Landing

By Bob Granath | November 1, 2019

In an address to Congress in 1961, President John F. Kennedy challenged the nation to “land a man on the Moon and return him safely to Earth” before the end of the decade. With the flight of Apollo 12, 50 years ago, NASA achieved that goal a second time.

Enhanced Apollo/Saturn V Center Takes Visitors Back to 1969

By Bob Granath | August 12, 2019

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex captures the excitement of the historic lunar landing in their revamped Apollo/Saturn V Center. This feature will focus on the new exhibits at that facility that includes a 1969 period living room recreating what life was like a half-century ago.

Moon Landing Stamps Unveiled in Kennedy Space Center Ceremony

By Bob Granath | August 11, 2019

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first Moon landing, the U.S. Postal Service issued two stamps marking the event. The first day of issue ceremony took place July 19, 2019 at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

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