The Apollo Missions

The Apollo missions were run by NASA in the 1960s and 1970s. Their goal was to land people on the Moon and bring them back safely. Apollo 11 made the first Moon landing in 1969. It was a huge moment in history.

Walking on the Moon

Neil Armstrong was the first person to step on the Moon. He said the famous words about a giant leap for mankind. Buzz Aldrin joined him, while Michael Collins stayed in orbit. They planted a flag and collected Moon rocks.

An astronaut on the Moon reflected in another astronaut's helmet.
An astronaut on the Moon reflected in another astronaut's helmet. (Neil A. Armstrong / Wikimedia Commons)

More Than One Trip

There were six Apollo missions that landed on the Moon. Twelve astronauts in total walked on its surface. They drove a special Moon buggy and did science experiments. The last mission, Apollo 17, landed in 1972.

Fun Facts

  • The Saturn V rocket that launched Apollo was taller than a 30-story building.
  • Moon rocks brought back by Apollo are still studied today.
  • Astronauts left footprints on the Moon that may last millions of years.

Did You Know?

Apollo 13 had an accident in space, but the crew made it home safely thanks to clever thinking!