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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.
Astronaut
Buzz Aldrin
Michael Collins
Neil A. Armstrong
Manufacturer
North American Rockwell
Country of Origin
United States of America
Title
Command Module, Apollo 11
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Exhibition
Destination Moon
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Inventory Number
A19700102000
Type
SPACECRAFT-Crewed
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
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.)
Record ID
nasm_A19700102000
Metadata Usage
CC0
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9ce74610f-62de-46b6-904f-58abfecb555c
This image is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Open Access page.
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  • Give attribution to the Smithsonian.
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International media Interoperability Framework
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
View manifest View in Mirador Viewer
3D Model
Metal, conical capsule with two small windows and open hatchway.
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