Apollo 8 was the first human mission to the Moon, and its crew were the first people to see the far side with their own eyes. The mission’s dramatic highlights included a live Christmas Eve broadcast during which the astronauts read verses from the Book of Genesis in lunar orbit, and the iconic Earthrise photo, which stunned the world with the beauty and isolation of our home in the cosmos.
The National Air and Space Museum's The Spirit of Apollo event, filmed at Washington National Cathedral, celebrates that moment of unity and the spiritual meaning of exploration embodied by the first flight to the Moon.
Featuring:
- Capt. James A Lovell, NASA astronaut (Apollo 8, Apollo 13, Gemini 7, Gemini 12)
- The Most Rev. Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
- Ellen R. Stofan, John and Adrienne Mars Director of the National Air and Space Museum
- Jim Bridenstine, NASA Administrator
- The Very Rev. Randy Hollerith, Dean of Washington National Cathedral