Apollo 11 Bootprint

Buzz Aldrin's bootprint, one of the first steps taken on the Moon

Historical Context

Buzz Aldrin photographed this bootprint about an hour into their lunar extra-vehicular activity, as part of investigations into the soil mechanics of the lunar surface.

The photo would later become synonymous with humankind's venture into space.

Photo Info

Photographer: Buzz Aldrin
Date taken: July 21, 1969
Location taken: The Moon
Source: NASA

Related Events

1969-07-16 Apollo 11 launches, carrying the first men to land on the Moon
1969-07-19 Apollo 11 goes into lunar orbit
1969-07-20 NASA's Apollo 11 lunar module, carrying Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, lands on the surface of the Moon. Seven hours later, Armstrong becomes the first person to step on the moon at 10:56 pm EDT, and Aldrin joins him shortly after. Michael Collins remains in orbit in the command module.
1969-07-24 At 12:51 EDT, Apollo 11 returns to Earth after taking the first astronauts to the Moon and returning them safely