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Today in History: Apollo 5 launches as NASA's first Lunar Module flight

1/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 22, 1968, Apollo 5, NASA's first uncrewed flight of the Lunar Module, launched from Cape Kennedy. This mission tested the module's capabilities for future manned lunar landings. Although it faced programming issues, the mission successfully demonstrated essential functions, paving the way for subsequent Apollo missions to the Moon.

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Story summary

On January 22, 1968, Apollo 5, NASA's first uncrewed flight of the Lunar Module, launched from Cape Kennedy. This mission tested the module's capabilities for future manned lunar landings. Although it faced programming issues, the mission successfully demonstrated essential functions, paving the way for subsequent Apollo missions to the Moon.