Recorded event
Launch from Florida
A Saturn V rocket launched Apollo 11 toward the Moon.
All timelines From the beginning
Apollo 11: the journey to the Moon
Eight days, a lunar landing, and a return to Earth. Follow the mission in sequence, with NASA records at every step.
Reviewed 9/21/2026
Mission milestones use UTC. The first moonwalk falls on July 21 in UTC, although it was July 20 in the United States.
Dates without a time use the local date of the event.
Recorded event
Entering lunar orbit
The spacecraft entered orbit around the Moon.
Recorded event
The lunar module lands
The lunar module touched down on the Sea of Tranquility.
Recorded event
The first step onto the Moon
The first crew member stepped onto the lunar surface.
Recorded event
Leaving the lunar surface
The ascent stage lifted off to rejoin the command module.
Recorded event
Return to Earth
The crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean.
Through 7/24/1969
Mission milestones use UTC. The first moonwalk falls on July 21 in UTC, although it was July 20 in the United States.