Command Module, Apollo 11

Object Details

Summary

The Apollo 11 Command Module, "Columbia," was the living quarters for the three-person crew during most of the first crewed lunar landing mission in July 1969. On July 16, 1969, Neil Armstrong, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin and Michael Collins were launched from Cape Kennedy atop a Saturn V rocket. This Command Module, no. 107, manufactured by North American Rockwell, was one of three parts of the complete Apollo spacecraft. The other two parts were the Service Module and the Lunar Module, nicknamed "Eagle." The Service Module contained the main spacecraft propulsion system and consumables while the Lunar Module was the two-person craft used by Armstrong and Aldrin to descend to the Moon's surface on July 20. The Command Module is the only portion of the spacecraft to return to Earth.

It was physically transferred to the Smithsonian in 1971 following a NASA-sponsored tour of American cities. The Apollo CM Columbia has been designated a "Milestone of Flight" by the Museum.

Alternate Name

Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia

Key Accomplishment(s)

First Lunar Landing Mission

Brief Description

The Apollo 11 Command Module, Columbia, carried astronauts Neil Armstrong, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin and Michael Collins to the Moon and back on the first lunar landing mission in July, 1969.

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Astronaut

Buzz Aldrin

Michael Collins

Neil A. Armstrong, 1930 - 2012

Manufacturer

North American Rockwell

Credit Line

Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Materials

Primary Materials: Aluminum alloy, Stainless steel, Titanium

Dimensions

Overall: 8 ft. 11 in. × 12 ft. 10 in., 9130lb. (271.8 × 391.2cm, 4141.3kg)

Other: 1 ft. 10 in. (55.9cm)

Support (at base width): 12 ft. 10 in. (391.2cm) Overall capsule on stand height: 10'9"

Support (Stand): 2035.7kg (4488lb.)

Type

SPACECRAFT-Crewed