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Today in History: Apollo 8 launches, first crew to reach Moon

12/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 21, 1968, Apollo 8 launched from Kennedy Space Center, marking the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon. Astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders orbited the Moon ten times, capturing iconic images of the far side and the Earthrise, paving the way for future lunar exploration.

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Story summary

On December 21, 1968, Apollo 8 launched from Kennedy Space Center, marking the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon. Astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders orbited the Moon ten times, capturing iconic images of the far side and the Earthrise, paving the way for future lunar exploration.