NPR

1968: When Apollo 8 First Orbited The Moon And Saw The Earth Rise In Space

On Dec. 21, 1968, the Apollo program's second manned spaceflight lifted off from Earth to orbit the moon. Many people still remember the greetings from astronauts, sent from space.

Fifty years ago Friday, on Dec. 21, 1968, Apollo 8 lifted off, marking the first time humans left low Earth orbit and flew to the moon.

This was the second manned spaceflight of the Apollo program, and it was a nerve-wracking and remarkable flight that captured the world's attention. The mission capped a difficult and conflict-filled

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