Hey Smithsonian!

Hey Smithsonian - What is it like to walk on the Moon?

On July 16, 1969, the world watched as Apollo 11 launched into space from Cape Kennedy. The following days were filled with wonder and excitement as people prepared for the very first Moon Landing. This “one giant leap for mankind” would take place on July 20, 1969, and that day was forever solidified in history. Can you imagine what it would have been like to witness that monumental day? Better yet, can you imagine what it would be like to actually walk on the Moon? Well, thanks to our friends at Smithsonian Channel, now you can answer those questions for yourself, and in more ways than one!

In celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the Moon Landing, Smithsonian Channel is currently running the new six-part series, “Apollo’s Moon Shot,” on Sunday nights at 8/7c. This program about Apollo 11 will allow viewers to experience the Moon Landing through stunning, remastered footage and interviews that take people inside the spacecraft, Mission Control, and even the homes of the astronaut’s families.

But that’s not all. The network is also offering a companion to the TV series in the form of an immersive AR app. The “Apollo’s Moon Shot” app gives users an out-of-this-world close-up of some of the major events that defined the beginning of the Space Age. Some app features include:

• Launch your own Saturn V rocket, sit inside the Lunar Command Module of Apollo 11, and step through a portal to explore the lunar landscape.
• Take a selfie on the Moon, suit up in the authentic Apollo 11 spacesuit, and share with friends on social.
• Play two thrilling AR simulation games, the “Moon Shot Challenge” and the “Lunar Landing Challenge,” to test your ability at navigating a course to the moon and dodging craters and boulders to make a smooth lunar landing.
• Turn notifications on to immerse yourself in hour-by-hour updates about the historic Apollo 11 mission – from liftoff to landing – leading up to the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landing on July 20, 2019.

“The app brings the museum into your hand. Incorporating high resolution scans of the actual artifacts in the Smithsonian’s collection, the app lets users interact with the Apollo command module and Armstrong’s spacesuit, up close and in detail. Filled with engaging, information-based content, the app will be a tool for learning about space exploration, not only during the moon landing anniversary, but for years to come,” said Teasel Muir-Harmony, Curator of the Apollo Spacecraft at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

The “Apollo’s Moon Shot” app will be available in the App Store and Google Play on June 24. Space fans – suit up!

In 2018, WorldStrides became the approved domestic educational travel provider of the Smithsonian. This blog is part of a series, “Hey Smithsonian!” where we ask our friends at the venerable institution questions that dig deeper into this special place and all it has to offer!