On July 16, 1969, one artist was asked by NASA to be with the Apollo 11 crew as they prepared for the launch to the moon. Paul Calle recorded the final moments on Earth of three brave men, before they journeyed to the moon. These on-the-spot drawings provide a glimpse into the events of that historic morning—the pre-launch breakfast and the suiting up—as three American heroes prepared for the adventure of a lifetime. Calle’s impressions and thoughts as he quickly sketched, give a unique perspective of the events leading up to the moon landing.

This book provides a “fly-on-the-wall” experience through the artwork of Paul Calle and his memories of that morning, forty years ago. Astronauts Bill Anders, Alan Bean, Vance Brand, Michael Collins, Gene Cernan, Walt Cunningham, and Dick Gordon lend their voices to the book.

In 1962, Paul Calle was chosen as one of the first eight artists of the newly established NASA Art Program. Beginning with Gordon Cooper’s Project Mercury flight in May 1963, Calle documented the action surrounding Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle flights. Calle’s drawings were shown at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. in November 1969 and are currently displayed in the National Air and Space Museum.