Spaceflight is not a solo venture by daring pilots; it is a partnership between the astronauts and mission control, and nothing demonstrated this more than landing on the moon.

“If tomorrow and the next day are like today, we‘ll be safe.”

Although the system was still not perfect, Nasa made The DECISION of taking the risk, under Soviet‘s pressure. Apollo 8 was ready to fire！

“The greatest irony was that Gus Grissom, who had almost drowned after his Mercury mission because of a hatch that opened prematurely, was claimed by a hatch that could not be opened at all.”

“Apollo 8 was more than a successful space mission; it was a bright moment for a nation experiencing its first pangs of self-doubt.”

“Whatever names humans gave their earth, it deserved to be called the Blue Planet, for its dominant aspect was the vivid, deep blue of oceans. In striking contrast were the clouds, brilliant white flecks and streamers that embraced the globe, swirling along coastlines and across oceans. ”

I love this description on Earth!??

“And if you had asked any of them, especially the rookies, whether Slayton's statement was really true —he might as well have said that the moon doesn't go around the earth.”
My Analyze:This irony suggests that the Rookies‘ ignorance and complete trust towards Slayton, which also makes a strong contrast between the Nine and the Fourteens.

“ Just a few days ago, to show his frustration, he'd hung a big Texas lemon on it.”

“It‘s not going to change me”

“Why,” he added without missing a beat, “does Rice play Texas?” This joke infers the difficulty of moon landing, convey their longing towards it. “Not because they are easy, but because they are hard”