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Today in History: Apollo 7 Launches First Manned Apollo Mission

10/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On October 11, 1968, Apollo 7 launched from Cape Kennedy, marking NASA's first crewed mission in the Apollo program and the first three-man American spaceflight. Commanded by Walter M. Schirra, the mission resumed human spaceflight after the tragic Apollo 1 fire in 1967, paving the way for future lunar exploration.

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Story summary

On October 11, 1968, Apollo 7 launched from Cape Kennedy, marking NASA's first crewed mission in the Apollo program and the first three-man American spaceflight. Commanded by Walter M. Schirra, the mission resumed human spaceflight after the tragic Apollo 1 fire in 1967, paving the way for future lunar exploration.