Astronauts rocket Apollo 16 spacecraft into Moon orbit 40 years ago this hour (1972)


Video: Apollo 16 burn into lunar orbit (at 3:18)

(Wednesday, April 19, 1972) — Apollo 16 astronauts rocketed into orbit of the Moon today and began a six-day scientific exploration. The spacemen and their craft were fit and ready for the challenge after a 240,000-mile voyage from Earth.

“Hello Houston. Sweet 16 has arrived,” commander John W. Young announced as the spacecraft emerged from behind the moon at 3:44 p.m. EST.