Space Exploration Day is an annual event that is celebrated annually on July 20 around the world. This day commemorates the historic moment when humans first set foot on the Moon. On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the lunar surface, while Michael Collins orbited above in the command module. Space Exploration Day is an important day that aims to serve the achievements in space exploration and inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers. Space Exploration Day 2025 falls on Sunday, July 20. Apollo 11 spaceflight was conducted from July 16 to 24, 1969, by the United States and launched by NASA. It marked the first time that humans landed on the Moon.  NASA Discovers 6 New Planets Outside Solar System: Scientists Confirm Total of 5,502 Exoplanets After TESS Telescope’s Recent Finding. 

Space Exploration Day 2025 Date

Space Exploration Day 2025 falls on Sunday, July 20.

History

Commander Neil Armstrong and Lunar Module pilot Buzz Aldrin landed the Lunar Module Eagle on July 20, 1969, at 20:17 UTC, and Armstrong became the first person to step onto the Moon's surface six hours and 39 minutes later, on July 21 at 02:56 UTC. Aldrin joined him 19 minutes later, and they spent about two and a quarter hour together exploring the site they had named Tranquility Base upon landing. Armstrong and Aldrin collected 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) of lunar material to bring back to Earth as pilot Michael Collins flew the Command Module Columbia in lunar orbit, and were on the Moon's surface for 21 hours, 36 minutes, before lifting off to rejoin Columbia.

Space Exploration Day Significance

Space Exploration Day is an important annual event that marks the success of one of humanity’s greatest scientific and exploration achievements. The importance of space exploration extends far beyond rockets and astronauts. It plays a vital role in scientific advancement, technological innovation and our understanding of the universe and Earth itself. This annual event helps us understand the origin and evolution of the universe, stars, planets, and life and offers insights into Earth's climate, geology, and atmosphere through planetary comparison.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 20, 2025 06:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).