The Breathtaking Capabilities of the Saturn V Space Rocket

On December 21st, 1968, NASA's Saturn V lifts off for the Moon, rocketing astronauts Frank Borman, Bill Anders, and Jim Lovell, out of Earth orbit and into the history books.

From: SPACE VOYAGES: The Moon and Beyond

[rogermouton]

If you're not astounded by the Saturn V, you know little or nothing about it. Arguably the greatest machine ever built.

[edbouwman]

When I was 14 years old I received a signed photo from the Apollo 8 crew, Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and William Anders. I still have the Photo ofcourse. I am still a great fan from the Apollo Spaceprogramm, 65 years young and living in the North of the Netherlands. Thank you very much Frank Borman, William Anders and Jim Lovell for what you and all the 400.000 workers for this great achievement. Ed Bouwman, Groningen, the Netherlands.

[txdave]

I was 14 years old when Apollo 8 launched. I can still remember watching in amazement on our 19 inch black and white TV. The Saturn V was amazing technology for the 1960's. Actually, its still impressive tech by 2020 standards.

[rikvermar]

over 50 years later and still "the undisputed heavyweight champion" of rockets

[StonyRC]

"I figured our chances of coming back at a little over 50%". THAT my friend, is the very definition of Courage!

[hoytoy]

These guys all need statues in a hall. Not the politicians who say anything and do nothing, but these guys, with cajones the size of coconuts need our admiration for their intelligence, curiosity, and dedication for a most daunting mission.

[horaciochediex]

One of the greatest explorations ever made.

[Daehawk]

The size of a Navy destroyer moving as 7 times the speed of sound. Gives you chills. I was born in May of 69 and I still remember those Saturn V launches in the early 70s. Still my favorite rocket. Can see them headed up and being bright lights. I think they are responsible for my love of science, space, and scifi.

[jshepard]

0:47 Lovell gives the odds. That's why these men will always be heroes.

[TomTimeTraveler]

Both Borman and Lovell are 92 years of age, separated by a few days with Borman slightly older. They, along with Bill Anders, are iconic heroes of the age of manned spaceflight. The Apollo 8 & 9 crews are the only fully-surviving crews of the program.

In my opinion the most importan and the greatest of all human missions ever.

[catman]

I remember those days. The excitement of the space-race, and Star Trek the future dreams. Great time to be growing up in the U.S.

[robthegardener]

1:53 I always loved the bit where the letters slowly go past the camera. And I'm not even American

[bruceaitken]

Saturn V, you really were the greatest sight, stretching out on a summers day...

[tonyfitzpatrick]

An absolute beautiful picture and description of American technology, risk and achievement. Gladiators of the modern era, fantastic US of A

[calebpool]

Thats so crazy. There was always that chance of mis calculation of trajectory or fuel that could have sent them into space and never return

[johnnyblade]

Still the most incredible machine ever constructed, IMHO.
Highly recommend the book Apollo by Catherine Bly Cox and Charles Murray.

[raygaub]

Seeing that rocket on display is mesmerizing.

[soxnation]

Jim Lovell is such a badass. Was on the first human Apollo flight, and then also on the Apollo 13 flight that had the near disaster in space.

[ToEuropa]

I was in grade school when Apollo and Skylab was happening. I remember my best friend (and fellow space nut) and I bemoaning the fact that the first men on Mars would get there before we were old enough to be astronauts. Who knew? Salute to Apollo and cheers for the SpaceX manned Dragon.