Photo: 59 Productions via Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum
Next week the world will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11’s Moon landing. A number of special events are planned across the planet to mark the moment, but none will match in scale and glamour the ones prepared in the U.S. for the occasion.
In Washington, the celebration will center on the Saturn V rocket that launched the historic mission. The original rocket is forever lost to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be recreated on one of the city's landmark monuments.
The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum together with the U.S. Department of the Interior and 59 Productions announced this week the Washington Monument will put on special clothes for the event.
Specifically, on the east face of the 555 ft (169 m) obelisk a full-sized, 363-foot (110 meters) Saturn V rocket will be projected for three consecutive days, on July 16, 17 and 18.
The rocket projection will be accompanied by full-motion projection-mapping artwork and archival footage that is meant to make the monument look as if it is taking off right from the National Mall.
“Almost 50 years ago, the Apollo 11 mission captivated the world as two American astronauts were the first to step foot on the moon, forever changing space exploration,” said in a statement Interior Secretary David Bernhardt.
“Through House Joint Resolution 60, Congress requested a one-time series of arrangements for displays on the National Mall and the Washington Monument to showcase this incredible achievement in our nation’s history, and we’re pleased to partner with the National Air and Space Museum so all can relive the moment.”
The Apollo 11 mission took off on July 16, 1969. The Apollo Lunar Module Eagle set down on the Moon on July 20, the day when Neil Armstrong became the first person to step on alien soil. He was joined the following day by Buzz Aldrin.
The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum together with the U.S. Department of the Interior and 59 Productions announced this week the Washington Monument will put on special clothes for the event.
Specifically, on the east face of the 555 ft (169 m) obelisk a full-sized, 363-foot (110 meters) Saturn V rocket will be projected for three consecutive days, on July 16, 17 and 18.
The rocket projection will be accompanied by full-motion projection-mapping artwork and archival footage that is meant to make the monument look as if it is taking off right from the National Mall.
“Almost 50 years ago, the Apollo 11 mission captivated the world as two American astronauts were the first to step foot on the moon, forever changing space exploration,” said in a statement Interior Secretary David Bernhardt.
“Through House Joint Resolution 60, Congress requested a one-time series of arrangements for displays on the National Mall and the Washington Monument to showcase this incredible achievement in our nation’s history, and we’re pleased to partner with the National Air and Space Museum so all can relive the moment.”
The Apollo 11 mission took off on July 16, 1969. The Apollo Lunar Module Eagle set down on the Moon on July 20, the day when Neil Armstrong became the first person to step on alien soil. He was joined the following day by Buzz Aldrin.
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