Apollo 10 was a crucial step in NASA's Apollo program, launched on May 18, 1969, with the intent to serve as the final test before the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing. Liftoff occurred from Launch Complex 39A at Cape Kennedy, Florida, using a Saturn V rocket, the same type of rocket that would later carry astronauts to the moon. The mission crew consisted of Commander Thomas Stafford, Command Module Pilot John Young, and Lunar Module Pilot Eugene Cernan. Apollo 10 was notable for being the first mission to carry a complete spacecraft configuration to the moon, including both the command module and the lunar module, named Snoopy.

During its journey, Apollo 10 successfully performed all necessary maneuvers to test the spacecraft’s systems. The crew executed a series of tests and obtained data that proved vital for the subsequent Apollo 11 mission. The spacecraft circled the moon, coming within about 9.5 miles of the lunar surface, offering breathtaking views and critical information about the lunar environment. The mission included communication checks, rotations, and navigational tasks, simulating as closely as possible the operations required for landing. Upon returning to Earth, Apollo 10 splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on May 26, 1969, marking the end of its successful mission.