On July 16, 1969, NASA launched Apollo 11, marking the beginning of the historic mission to land humans on the Moon. The spacecraft carried astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. On July 20, 1969, Armstrong and Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the lunar surface while Collins orbited above. This achievement fulfilled President John F. Kennedy's ambitious goal for America’s space program and remains one of humanity’s greatest milestones. The mission is commemorated annually on National Moon Day, reflecting on its enduring inspiration and significance in space exploration history.