TLDR: The Apollo program was a space exploration program by NASA that successfully landed the first humans on the Moon from 1968 to 1972.

The Apollo program was a major American space exploration program that took place from 1961 to 1972. Its main goal was to land humans on the Moon and bring them back safely to Earth. The program was carried out by NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It was the third human spaceflight program by the United States, following the Mercury and Gemini programs.

The Apollo program was first conceived in 1960 as a three-person spacecraft to follow the one-person Mercury program. It was later dedicated to President John F. Kennedy's goal of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to Earth. The program faced setbacks, including a tragic cabin fire in 1967 that killed the entire crew of Apollo 1. However, it ultimately achieved its goal with the successful landing of Apollo 11 in 1969, when astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the lunar surface.

In total, there were six crewed missions to the Moon as part of the Apollo program. The astronauts collected lunar rocks and soil, which greatly contributed to our understanding of the Moon's composition and history. The program also led to advancements in technology and the development of NASA's Johnson Space Center and Kennedy Space Center.

The Apollo program was a remarkable achievement in human spaceflight and a symbol of American ingenuity and determination. It demonstrated the capabilities of NASA and paved the way for future space exploration missions.

Related Links:

• Apollo program on Wikipedia
• NASA