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Description

The First Steps on the Moon

This captivating photograph, AS11-40-5873, taken on July 20, 1969, features Astronaut Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., the lunar module pilot, during the historic Apollo 11 extravehicular activity (EVA) on the Moon's surface. In the background to the right, the lunar module stands as a testament to this groundbreaking mission. To Aldrin's right, the deployed Solar Wind Composition (SWC) experiment is visible, actively collecting data. Astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, the mission commander, skillfully captured this iconic moment using a 70mm lunar surface camera.

Photo Numbers

69-H-1260
69-HC-689
AS11-40-5873

The Apollo 11 Mission

The Apollo 11 mission, launched on July 16, 1969, was a historic and groundbreaking spaceflight that marked the first time humans set foot on the moon. Led by commander Neil A. Armstrong, lunar module pilot Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, and command module pilot Michael Collins, the mission achieved the ambitious goal set by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 to land humans on the moon and return them safely to Earth. On July 20, 1969, Armstrong and Aldrin spent over two hours exploring the lunar surface, collecting samples, and conducting experiments, while Collins orbited above in the command module. Armstrong's famous words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," encapsulate the monumental impact of the Apollo 11 mission on human history, as it demonstrated the incredible achievements made possible through scientific innovation, collaboration, and determination.

Condition Description
The photograph has a slight red cast. 1969 chromogenic photograph on paper watermarked "A KODAK PAPER" on verso. The purple ink NASA press release taped over a previous printed press release text (perhaps correcting it).