NASA

Saturn V | Apollo 8

SUCCESSDec 21, 1968 at 12:51 UTCSaturn V →
SITELC-39A, Kennedy Space Center →
ORBITLunar
MISSION OVERVIEW

First crewed mission to leave Earth orbit and travel to the Moon. Performed 10 lunar orbits and returned safely to Earth on December 25.

LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Saturn V
AGENCY
NASA
TARGET ORBIT
Lunar
LAUNCH SITE
LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMED
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Saturn V | Apollo 8 launch?
The Saturn V | Apollo 8 is scheduled for Saturday, December 21, 1968 at 12:51 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Saturn V | Apollo 8?
The Saturn V | Apollo 8 mission uses the Saturn V rocket.
Where is the Saturn V | Apollo 8 launching from?
The launch takes place from LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center.
What orbit is Saturn V | Apollo 8 going to?
The Saturn V | Apollo 8 mission is targeting Lunar.
Who is launching Saturn V | Apollo 8?
The Saturn V | Apollo 8 is operated by NASA.
Can I watch the Saturn V | Apollo 8 launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 28, 2026 20:52 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 20:52 UTC
Launch date set: Dec 21, 1968 at 12:51 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by NASA
Mar 28, 2026 20:52 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Aug 8, 2025 21:08 UTC
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LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 11 minutes ago
●Spaceflight News API21 minutes ago
2 articles matched
BROWSE BY
NASA31 launchesSaturn V5 launchesLC-39A, Kennedy Space CenterLaunch Site
RELATED LAUNCHES
SUCCESS
Saturn V | Apollo 11
NASA · Jul 16, 1969
🧭 Heading NE
● Targeted the same orbit: Lunar
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Saturn V | Apollo 17
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Saturn V | Apollo 16
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● Also flew on a Saturn V
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Saturn V | Apollo 15
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Saturn V | Apollo 14
National Aeronautics and Space Administration · Jan 31, 1971
🧭 Heading NE
● Also flew on a Saturn V

Mission Profile

Saturn V | Apollo 8 was a Saturn V mission operated by NASA that lifted off from LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center on December 21, 1968. The flight carried its payload to Lunar. The launch was a success.

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