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Apollo 11

July 20, 1969

One of the first steps taken on the Moon, this is an image of Buzz Aldrin's bootprint from the Apollo 11 mission.
Image Credit: NASA

Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin on the Moon.
Image Credit: NASA

On July 20, 1969, humans walked on another world for the first time in history, achieving the goal that President John F. Kennedy had set in 1961, before Americans had even orbited the Earth. After a landing that included dodging a lunar crater and boulder field just before touchdown, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin explored the area around their lunar landing site for more than two hours. They collected soil and rock samples, set up experiments, planted an American flag, and left behind medallions honoring the Apollo 1 crew and a plaque saying, “We came in peace for all mankind.”

Crew: Neil Armstrong, commander; Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., lunar module pilot; Michael Collins, command module pilot

Launch: July 16, 1969; lunar landing: July 20; splashdown: July 24.

Apollo 11 Feature Stories    Apollo 11 Mission Overview

Best Space Documentaries to Stream Before the Apollo 11 Anniversary

As the nation (and the world) prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20, space fans can pre-game with documentaries that relive the nail-biting mission, explore the wonders of space exploration, and honor the people who made (and continue to make) the giant leap for mankind.

Here, we round up new and older documentaries, many featuring fascinating archival footage that bring audiences back to the most important moments of the space race.

If you can only watch one documentary this month, make it this one. Directed by Todd Douglas Miller, Apollo 11 features never-before-seen footage and audio recordings that take you straight into the heart of NASA’s most celebrated mission as astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins embark on a historic trip to the moon. The stunning documentary, which aired on CNN in June, is available for rent or purchase on Amazon. Or you can catch it on CNN, which is airing it again on July 20, the 50th anniversary of the moon landing.