NASA's First Moon Flyby Mission Revealed

The name of NASA's first flyby of the moon before the lunar landing is uncovered in this trivia challenge.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, highly structured abstract painting in soft, flat colors featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric planetary circles, and precise botanical or physical spirals, conceptually representing the complex forces and concepts of early space exploration.An abstract visual representation of the early milestones and technological breakthroughs that paved the way for humanity's first steps on the lunar surface.Atlantic City Today

In a trivia question for The Atlantic, readers are asked to identify the name of NASA's first flyby mission to the moon, which occurred three missions before the historic lunar landing. The article also provides additional context about the history of astronaut ice cream and its limited actual use in space.

Why it matters

This trivia question taps into the public's enduring fascination with the early days of the space race and NASA's pioneering missions to the moon. Accurately identifying the name of this first flyby mission demonstrates knowledge of an important milestone in the lead-up to the lunar landing, which captured the world's imagination.

The details

The trivia question reveals that NASA's first flyby of the moon, which occurred three missions before the lunar landing, is known as "No. 11." The article also notes that so-called "astronaut ice cream," which was developed for NASA in the 1960s, was only ever flown on a single mission in 1968, despite its widespread popularity and association with the space program.

  • NASA's first flyby of the moon occurred three missions before the historic lunar landing.
  • Astronaut ice cream was developed for NASA in the 1960s, but was only ever flown on a single mission in 1968.

The players

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This trivia question highlights the public's enduring fascination with the early days of the space race and the incremental steps that led to the historic Apollo 11 moon landing. It also debunks the myth of widespread astronaut ice cream consumption in space, revealing that the freeze-dried treat was only flown on a single mission despite its popular association with the space program.