Project Apollo, the single most audacious work ever attempted by the human race, took twelve men to the surface of the Moon, in the years between 1969 and 1972. No one has ever gone back.
Just what sort of effort was required to get those people to the Moon, and what were the conditions that made it possible with 1960s technology? What inspired the whole epic journey?
This is a cross-over course covering the scientific, the political and the historic aspects of the Apollo missions.
This course will lead you through your own investigation of the Apollo story.
You will become aware of the scale and cultural importance of the Apollo moon programme and you will learn about the stages of the project, the triumphs and the tragedies. This awareness will enable you to come to your own conclusion about the legacy of the moon landings.
Outline
1: Preparations - How did John F Kennedy's initiative change the US manned space programme. Find what strategies were considered for a Moon landing. What was the purpose of Project Gemini?.
2: The A to F Missions - What were the various A to J missions planned for the Apollo Programme?
The highlights of the manned C to F missions and explain how these departed from the initial plan.
The events and repercussions of the Apollo I disaster.
3: G to J Missions - orbiting and walking on the Moon. The science of the moon missions. Apollo XIII - the one that didn’t land on the Moon.
4: Your view of the Apollo Missions - You chance to look at the Moon missions and their impact on you.
Who should take this course?
This is an ideal course for the space buff but it will also be of interest to anyone who lived through those Apollo years who wants to reconnect with the promise of their youth and understand the significance of these events. It is also a course for the Fox TV generation, some of whom do not believe the Apollo missions really happened. Contact with the source material and a proper investigation of the historical evidence is the only way to restore reason in this age of fantasy.
You will need
All materials are provided, though some books are recommended for further reading. The course contains links to video clips online so a broadband connection is recommended.
Entry Requirements
No prior knowledge or skills required
How long is this course?
About 16 hours,
and we suggest you set aside about 4 hours a week - but it's up to you.
You will have tutor support for 3 months.
You will have access to your course for a year.
Your tutor
Your tutor for this course is 
Mark Toner.
You can find out more about on
the Tutors page.
Further information
Click here to download a leaflet. (PDF format)
Do you have any further questions? Visit our Contact
Us page and ask away.
