NASM--Apollo to the Moon--First Around the Moon

FIRST AROUND THE MOON
In October 1968, James Webb retired and was succeeded by Thomas 0. Paine. At the same time, the Saturn V moon rocket, after only two test flights without crews, was pronounced ready for a piloted flight. Upon taking office, Paine had to decide whether to send Apollo 8, the first manned mission aboard the Saturn V, to the vicinity of the Moon or only into Earth orbit.
Paine chose the Moon, giving NASA valuable knowledge of spacecraft performance in lunar orbit.

Checklist used by William Anders on Apollo 8.

Watch
This watch was worn by mission commander Thomas P. Stafford on the Apollo 10 mission in May 1969.

In Memoriam