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Apollo 10

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description Apollo 10 Overview

The Apollo 10 mission involved a crewed spacecraft that served as a critical test flight preceding the first human Moon landing. Launched in 1969, it brought the command module and lunar module within approximately 15 kilometers of the Moon’s surface. This maneuver represented a valuable dress rehearsal for NASA, refining procedures and equipment while assessing potential challenges before the Apollo 11 mission. It was primarily designed for astronauts and mission control personnel involved in planning and executing lunar exploration activities.

help Apollo 10 FAQ

Why didn't Apollo 10 land on the Moon?

Apollo 10 was designed as a full dress rehearsal for Apollo 11, not as a landing attempt. Thomas Stafford and Eugene Cernan tested the lunar module in low lunar orbit while John Young remained in the command module.

How close did Apollo 10 get to the lunar surface?

The lunar module descended to roughly 9 miles, or 14 kilometers, above the Moon. That allowed the crew to rehearse descent, staging, rendezvous, and docking without touching down.

Why were Apollo 10's spacecraft called Snoopy and Charlie Brown?

The lunar module was called Snoopy and the command module Charlie Brown after Charles Schulz's Peanuts characters. NASA also used Snoopy in its safety culture, including the Silver Snoopy Award.

Who flew on Apollo 10?

The crew was commander Thomas Stafford, command module pilot John Young, and lunar module pilot Eugene Cernan. Young later commanded Apollo 16, while Cernan commanded Apollo 17 and became the last person to walk on the Moon.

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