The Moon Landing

The lunar module began its descent toward the target landing site on an area of the Moon called the Sea of Tranquility. By gazing out of the small window, Armstrong was able to choose a
flat landing area. Probes on the lunar module’s legs signaled when it was about 5 feet (1.5 meters) above the dusty surface. The engine cut out, and the Eagle landed on the Moon at 4:17 p. m. (Eastern Daylight Time) on July 20. After touchdown, Armstrong radioed to Mission Control in Houston, Texas: “Houston, Tranquility base here. The Eagle has landed.”

Armstrong and Aldrin wore space – suits to protect them from the Moon’s environment. There is no atmosphere on the Moon—to survive, the men needed the oxygen and steady temperature and air pressure provided by the suits.

Armstrong opened a hatch and climbed down a ladder onto the powdery surface, followed by Aldrin. The astro­nauts’ first steps on the Moon were recorded by a TV camera on the side of the lunar module. Armstrong said,

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” The astronauts spent two hours on the Moon’s surface, collecting rock samples and setting up scientific equipment. Mission accom­plished, they reentered the Eagle.