The Apollo Lunar Module first flew 50 years ago, in Earth orbit, a beautiful backdrop for the LM only seen on this mission. While the crew came back after ten days in orbit, on March 13, 1969, the Lunar Module stayed up there, and finally burned up on reentry in 1981.

Commander Jim McDivitt signed this 16×20 photo from the mission: “Test flight of ‘Spider’ for the future Apollo lunar landings! Jim McDivitt, Apollo 9 CDR, 1969.”

On the 50th anniversary of Apollo 9, I thought I would share some Apollo 9 artifacts. Also, Future Ventures is a proud sponsor of the 50th Anniversary Celebration with the entire Apollo 9 crew in San Diego.

One response to “First Test of the Apollo Lunar Module”

  1. jurvetson Avatar
    jurvetson

    Event tonight, with the entire Apollo 9 crew! And Rusty’s reflections “We went to the Moon as Americans; we’ll go to Mars and on as people from Earth.

    And do this we must if we’re to have the time needed to become, as Elon Musk says, a multi-planet species.

    So for me, this is the big deal worthy of celebration 50 years after we first landed on the Moon. Landed on the Moon… and looked back at the Earth! What we saw was a fantastic reality; the unbelievably beautiful home of all the life in our little corner of the Universe. What we realized was our responsibility for doing whatever we can to extend and continue this amazing evolutionary experiment we call life.

    Now what’s a bigger deal than that?

    So wherever you are on March 13, 2019, we’re all together, one way or another.”

    Reply

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