From Madrid to the Moon: Spain's Crucial Role in the Apollo 11 Mission Exhibition

This mini-exhibition explores the pivotal role Spain, and specifically Telefónica, played in the Apollo 11 mission's success. It delves into the story of the over 400 Spaniards who supported the mission from ground stations, revealing the collaboration between Telefónica and NASA.

The exhibition 'From Madrid to the Moon' highlights the significant, yet often overlooked, contributions of Spain and Telefónica to the historic Apollo 11 mission. While the world celebrated the astronauts' steps on the lunar surface, this exhibition sheds light on the 400 Spaniards who operated crucial monitoring stations in Spain, essential for communication between NASA, mission control, and the spacecraft. It details why Spain was chosen for these vital stations and the technical infrastructure provided by the Compañía Telefónica Nacional de España (Telefónica). Through panels, videos, and original documents, the exhibition reconstructs the journey into space and the collaborative efforts between Telefónica and NASA that began in the 1960s. Visitors can see historical items such as the original minutes from a Telefónica Board of Directors meeting in 1960 discussing support for the Mercury Project, the 1967 contract between NASA and Telefónica, and models of the Saturn V rocket and Apollo spacecraft. The narrative emphasizes Telefónica's role as a trusted partner, ensuring seamless communication that was critical for the mission's success and subsequent lunar endeavors.

The exhibition is located at Espacio Fundación Telefónica, C/ Fuencarral, 3, Madrid. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday, and Friday from 10:00 to 20:00, and Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 11:00 to 20:00. Visitors can add the exhibition dates to their calendar using the provided link.