APOLLO 8: THE FIRST TIME HUMANITY LEFT HOME

In December 1968, at the end of one of the most turbulent years in American history, three astronauts became the first human beings ever to leave Earth. Apollo 8 didn't land anywhere — and it changed everything anyway.

THE DECISION THAT CHANGED THE RACE

Apollo 8 was originally an Earth-orbit test flight. With the Lunar Module behind schedule and intelligence suggesting the Soviets might attempt a flight around the Moon, NASA made one of the boldest calls of the entire program: send the crew to lunar orbit instead.

It was only the second crewed Apollo flight, and the first crewed launch of the Saturn V.

LEAVING HOME

On December 21, 1968, Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders became the first humans to ride the Saturn V — and the first to leave Earth orbit entirely.

Three days later they became the first people to orbit another world, circling the Moon ten times on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

EARTHRISE

Coming around the Moon's far side, the crew saw something no mission plan had prepared them for: the Earth rising over the lunar horizon.

The photograph they brought home became one of the most influential images ever made — a small blue world, whole and alone. That Christmas Eve, the crew's broadcast from lunar orbit reached the largest television audience in history to that point.

LEGACY AND IMPACT

Apollo 8 proved the Saturn V, the navigation, and the nerve required to reach the Moon.

Seven months later, Apollo 11 finished what Apollo 8 started.

APOLLO 8 PROVED THE MOON WAS WITHIN REACH — SOMETIMES THE BOLDEST STEP IS THE FIRST ONE.