Forty-three years ago today: Looking back at Apollo 11

[Onkel Neal]

Looking back at Apollo 11

You know, when I hear a phrase dating an event with 20 years ago, 30 years ago, 40 years ago.... I think, yeah, that's pretty much relegated to Korean War/WWII/Great Depression era stuff. A LONG TIME ago.

Man, when I hear 43 years ago for the moon landings, I reach for the calculator...2012 minus 1969... wow, yes, it is 43 years ago. That's unbelievable. I still have the commemorative ball cap from visitng NASA for the 25th anniversary of the moon landings, and I though 25 years was a LONG TIME ago. In 1969, forty three years ago meant Great Gatsby, Bonnie and Clyde, Thomas Edison. In 1969, forthy three years ago meant the time when Robert Goddard fired up the first liquid fuel rocket.

And here we are, 2012, and we've not advanced on inch in space since 1969. .

[mookiemookie]

I think it's an absolute tragedy that our space program is in a holding pattern. I'm convinced that it'll be back someday. But defunding NASA was one of the worst things Obama ever did.

[kraznyi_oktjabr]

Originally Posted by mookiemookie

I think it's an absolute tragedy that our space program is in a holding pattern. I'm convinced that it'll be back someday. But defunding NASA was one of the worst things Obama ever did.

Maybe on time so you can visit Chinese colonies in Mars.

[Sailor Steve]

I was in my fourth week at boot camp. We had no television so we listened to it on a small desktop radio.

[TheDarkWraith]

Maybe there's a reason why space exploration came to a halt? Maybe they found something that scared them (for the conspiracy theorists). You aren't just all gung ho and suddenly stop stone cold for no reason

I'm pretty much sure the believers where pushed to the back while the accountants counted the cost, what price belief.

[Dowly]

Originally Posted by TheDarkWraith

Maybe there's a reason why space exploration came to a halt? Maybe they found something that scared them (for the conspiracy theorists). You aren't just all gung ho and suddenly stop stone cold for no reason

If you ever need to waste 3 hours of your life

[Platapus]

Originally Posted by Neal Stevens

And here we are, 2012, and we've not advanced on inch in space since 1969. .

That's a bit harsh. There is more to exploring and learning about space then planting a flag on camera.

[Bilge_Rat]

I was 13 and wanted to be an astronaut. I had scrapbook full of articles back to Apollo one. The landing was at 2-3 am local time. The images very poor, just shadows really, but I was mesmerized.

[MH]

Till space exploration will become issue of profit or survival not much will happen.

[u crank]

I'll never forget that spooky feeling of going outside and looking at the moon, knowing that there were humans on it.

[Jimbuna]

I remember watching it all in awe as an eleven year old on a black and white tv in the school library.

[TarJak]

I was only a young'en of 4 years old but I still recall sitting in my grandmothers lounge room watching it on a black and white TV as well. I think this interview with Neil Armstrong is still one of the best accounts of the preparations and landing I've seen or heard: http://thebottomline.cpaaustralia.co...utmk=119942664

[Jimbuna]

There are still people out there who claim it was a con and never actually happened

[U-snafu]

I wasnt alive (showed up here around 1972)---but as a teenager---ate books on the apollo, mercury, project, etc. luved the "to the moon and back" vid series.

Tis a shame that we can't even get into orbit now in 2012 without hitching a ride with someone else or waiting for corporations to get is back up there


As an aside---I don't know if this has already been posted somehwere on the forum so sorry incase it has. A neat little 15 minute fictional radiodrama based on a real written speech in case the first landing was a disaster...

http://theunobserved.com/theatre/moon_graffiti/