Apollo 11 - Approaching the Moon Despite Warning Alarms

As the astronauts approach the Moon, they make ready to separate the lunar landing module from the main ship. Even if things go right, it’s a dangerous mission. Mission control asks for a “go, no go” from the individual controllers.

Descending too fast, Eagle (the landing module) could overshoot its landing target. Will that cause trouble for the astronauts?

THEN ... a program alarm goes off. It is a "1202." The astronauts have no idea what the alarm means. Should the descent be aborted or should the alarm be overridden? During tension-filled moments, the decision comes down to one man.

What should the astronauts do?

A decision to override allows the lunar landing module to continue its descent. The astronauts are "go for landing." Armstrong looks out the window, and his heart rate skyrockets. About a thousand feet above the Moon’s surface, the landing craft is heading straight for a crater filled with boulders.

Part 1 - Launch and Journey to the Moon

Part 3 - Lunar Landing and Return to Earth