Question 1

What happened during the Moonwalk and what did the crew accomplish on the surface?

Accepted Answer

After landing and system checks, Armstrong descended the ladder and stepped onto the Moon at 02:56 UTC on July 21, followed by Aldrin. They collected 21.5 kg of lunar samples, deployed experiments (including a seismometer and laser reflector), photographed the site, and planted the U.S. flag. They left a plaque and other items, then rested before liftoff from the lunar surface later that day.

Question 2

When did the Moon landing happen, and who were the astronauts involved?

Accepted Answer

Apollo 11’s Lunar Module (Eagle) landed on the Moon on July 20, 1969, at 20:17 UTC. Neil Armstrong became the first human to step onto the lunar surface at 02:56 UTC on July 21, followed by Buzz Aldrin. Michael Collins remained in lunar orbit aboard the Command Module (Columbia).

Question 3

How long did Apollo 11 take from launch to landing and back?

Accepted Answer

Earth to Moon transit took about 3 days (launch on July 16 to lunar orbit on July 19). The crew landed on July 20 and spent about 21.5 hours on the surface, with a ~2.5-hour moonwalk. Return to Earth after leaving lunar orbit took about 2.5 days, with splashdown on July 24. Total mission duration was approximately 8 days 3 hours.

Question 4

What is the key timeline of the Apollo 11 Moon landing mission?

Accepted Answer

Launch: July 16, 1969, 13:32 UTC (Kennedy Space Center)
Lunar orbit insertion: July 19, ~17:21 UTC
Lunar Module undocking: July 20, ~17:44 UTC
Lunar landing (Eagle down at Tranquility Base): July 20, 20:17 UTC
First step on the Moon (Armstrong): July 21, 02:56 UTC
Moonwalk (EVA) duration: ~2.5 hours; time on surface: ~21.5 hours
Lunar liftoff (ascent): July 21, ~17:54 UTC
Trans-Earth injection: July 22, ~04:55 UTC
Splashdown (Pacific Ocean): July 24, 16:50 UTC

Moonlanding

Frequently asked questions about Moonlanding