16 July 1969, 13:33:06 UTC, T + 1:06.3

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Apollo 11 goes supersonic at T+1:06.3 (NASA)
Apollo 11 goes supersonic at T+1:06.3 (NASA)

16 July 1969:  At 1333 UTC (9:33 a.m. EDT) one minute, six seconds after liftoff, the Apollo 11/Saturn V reached Mach 1 at an altitude of 4 miles (6.4 kilometers). As it goes supersonic, condensation clouds, called “shock collars,” form around the S-II second stage.

© 2015, Bryan R. Swopes

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About Bryan Swopes

Bryan R. Swopes grew up in Southern California in the 1950s–60s, near the center of America's aerospace industry. He has had a life-long interest in aviation and space flight. Bryan is a retired commercial helicopter pilot and flight instructor.

4 thoughts on “16 July 1969, 13:33:06 UTC, T + 1:06.3”

  1. 16 July 1969, 13:33:06 UTC, T + 1:06.3

    That must be a very tall flag pole for the photographer to frame the Saturn V as it approaches Max-Q.

    1. Michael, that photo has always bothered me. It’s obvious that sunlight is hitting the rocket and the flagpole from opposite directions. The other one with the Saturn V on the launchpad with a full moon is also an example of a poorly thought out altered photo image.

  2. Altered or not, it’s still an awesome image. And by the way Bryan I love your site. Look at it every day and really enjoy it!

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