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.
Display Status
This object is on display in Destination Moon at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
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.
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
SPACECRAFT-Crewed
Astronaut
Buzz Aldrin
Michael Collins
Neil A. Armstrong
Manufacturer
North American Rockwell
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.)
Materials
Primary Materials: Aluminum alloy, Stainless steel, Titanium
Alternate Name
Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia
Inventory Number
A19700102000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.
Deep dives
