Today, forty years ago, mankind took a giant leap and stepped foot on the surface of our moon. It's a perfect time to celebrate with a look back at the Apollo 11 mission.
In the gallery below, we'll take you through the delivery of the Saturn V to the launch pad, the Earth rising over the moon, to the landing on the lunar surface and the return back to Earth. Enjoy this monumental day as you never truly know where we'll step foot next.
Image Credits: ApolloArchive
Apollo 11 rolls out of the massive Vehicle Assembly Building
May 20, 1969
Apollo 11 rollout
May 20, 1969
aerial view of Apollo 11 rollout
May 20, 1969
The Saturn V moves at one mile per hour down the crawlerway toward pad 39A
May 20, 1969
Searchlights illuminate the Apollo 11 space vehicle at Launch Complex 39A during a Countdown Demonstration Test
July 11, 1969
The crew crosses the CM access walkway on swingarm #9
Apollo 11 space vehicle with astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr. lifting o ff July 16, 1969.
liftoff of Apollo 11
liftoff of Apollo 11
Apollo 11 liftoff as viewed from the launch tower
medium-distance view of Apollo 11 liftoff
Moonbound Apollo 11 clears the launch tower
Apollo 11 climbs toward orbit
Launch team members view the Apollo 11 through the firing room windows
Apollo 11 as viewed from an Air Force EC-135N plane
view from Earth orbit
orbital view / Sabine and Ritter craters
Earthrise sequence - Earth emerges over lunar horizon
Earthrise sequence - Earth emerges over lunar horizon
Earthrise sequence - Earth rises over lunar horizon
CSM "Columbia" over Craters Taruntius K, Taruntius P, and Dorsum Cayeux (in Mare Fecunditatis). Partially visible are craters Anvil and Taruntius H.
Inspection of Lunar Module "Eagle" after undocking
July 20, 1969
Flight controllers Charles Duke (Capcom), Jim Lovell (backup CDR) and Fred Haise (backup LMP) during lunar module descent
LM separation from CSM
view from LM window just after landing
July 20, 1969
Armstrong's first photo after setting foot on the Moon
July 20, 1969
lunar surface / LM strut
Aldrin backing out through LM hatch
Aldrin exits the LM
July 20, 1969
Aldrin beside solar wind experiment
Aldrin salutes U.S. Flag
Aldrin's bootprint in the lunar soil
Aldrin poses for portrait / Armstrong's reflection in visor
Armstrong photo of landing site from a distance
LM ascent stage returns from the moon's surface
July 21, 1969
LM approaches CSM for docking / earthrise in b.g.
July 21, 1969
view of full lunar disc during return trip
crescent Earth photographed during return trip
Mission Control celebrates Apollo 11 mission