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Today in History: Apollo 8: First Manned Mission to Orbit the Moon

12/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 24, 1968, Apollo 8, piloted by Jim Lovell, became the first crewed spacecraft to orbit the Moon. Alongside Frank Borman and William Anders, the mission marked a historic milestone in human spaceflight, allowing the astronauts to capture the iconic "Earthrise" photograph, showcasing Earth from lunar orbit for the first time.

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Story summary

On December 24, 1968, Apollo 8, piloted by Jim Lovell, became the first crewed spacecraft to orbit the Moon. Alongside Frank Borman and William Anders, the mission marked a historic milestone in human spaceflight, allowing the astronauts to capture the iconic "Earthrise" photograph, showcasing Earth from lunar orbit for the first time.