Last Updated on May 22, 2025 by Matt Staff
In the summer of 1969, something extraordinary happened. Humans walked on the Moon for the very first time. It was a turning point not just in space exploration, but in human history. The Apollo 11 mission captured the imagination of people around the world, uniting millions in a shared moment of awe. While Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took their historic steps on the lunar surface, Michael Collins orbited silently above, each man playing a vital role in one of the boldest endeavors ever attempted.
From the anxious anticipation on the launch pad to the quiet solitude of the Moon’s surface, these vintage images offer a glimpse into the emotion, bravery, and determination that fueled the mission. Here are 20 vintage photos from the 1969 moon landing.
1. The first humans to land on the moon returned to Earth, July 24, 1969
Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins landed in the Pacific Ocean roughly 950 miles southwest of Hawaii. They were recovered by the crew on the USS Hornet, which was stationed only about 10 miles away.
2. Buzz Aldrin taking a stroll on the moon
This photo of Buzz Aldrin, taken by Neil Armstrong during the Apollo 11 mission, is one of the most iconic images in history. More than just historic, it’s poetic. Look closely at Aldrin’s visor and you’ll spot Armstrong reflected in it. This is one of the few photos where the first man on the Moon actually appears.
3. This photo of Neil was taken moments after he walked on the moon
This photo shows Neil Armstrong back inside the lunar module after making history as the first human to walk on the Moon. Most photos from the mission show Buzz Aldrin; this is one of the few that captures Armstrong himself.
4. Posing next to the American flag on the moon
Buzz Aldrin is shown gazing out into space, standing next to the American flag. It looks like the flag is waving, but it’s held up by an aluminum crossbar.
5. K-Mart employees are taking a break to watch the moon landing
This powerful shot shows how time stood still when we landed on the moon in 1969. How are you supposed to get back to work knowing someone is standing on the moon?
6. A young girl reading the paper after the moon landing
In this photo from 1969, a young girl reads about the Moon landing, a moment that forever changed the way we see our world.
7. The Apollo 11 astronauts during their 18-day quarantine
Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins quarantined in NASA’s Johnson Space Center for 21 days after landing back on Earth. They quarantined just in case someone caught an unknown disease while in space.
8. These American scientists are running final tests on the moon landing
The amount of time and energy spent on this mission was incomprehensible. People spent hours coding and running logistics to ensure the safety of the Apollo 11 crew. Their focused attention symbolizes the dedication and curiosity driving humanity’s quest for knowledge.
9. Neil Armstrong preparing for the moon landing
That’s the face of a determined man right there. Armstrong flew over 2,400 hours of test runs before this mission, so you can say he was well prepared.
10. Neil Armstrong’s first visit with his son after landing, taken during his quarantine
This intimate moment after landing shows Neil talking to his son on the phone.
11. The Apollo 11 astronauts’ breakfast on the day of the launch
This photo really humanizes them. They’re just regular people who are about to do one of the most incredible things in history. We see them as heroes, but they’re drinking orange juice just like we would.
12. The only known full-body photos of Neil A. on the moon
Even though Neil A. was the star on the video that was broadcast back home, there aren’t many photos of him.
13. This is what the televised version of the moon landing looked like
This is what 650 million people watched on July 16, 1969. That’s some great quality right there.
14. Neil Armstrong leading Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins to Apollo 11
They’re wearing the A7L space suit, which weighs around 180 lbs without the helmet. That must have been a tough climb into the spacecraft.
15. The command center at NASA is celebrating a successful mission
There were around 400 people in the Mission Operations Control Room, which included families, flight controllers, and engineers.
16. Buzz Aldrin, the second man on the moon, 1969
Aldrin had been to space before. He was also a part of the Gemini 12 mission, which took place in 1966.
17. Margaret Hamilton, the woman who wrote the code that took us to the moon
This young Scientist was the unsung hero of the Apollo 11 mission. I mean, just look at all of that coding.
18. Buzz Aldrin inside the Apollo 11 lunar module, 1969
Imagine being able to look at that command module and know what was going on.
19. The moon landing being televised at Disneyland
Disneyland set up a screen near the People Mover, where hundreds of people gathered to watch the moon landing.
20. Friends and family of Neil Armstrong gather to watch the moon landing
Want to see more content from the 1960s?
Take a look at 35 Vintage Photos of the Mid-1960s, or check out 20 Family Photos from the 1960s That Capture the True Spirit of the ’60s. Finally, if you want to see what Paris was like in the ’60s, check out 20 Vintage Photos Capturing 1960s Parisian Style.
