Returning to Earth in July 1969, astronaut Neil Armstrong celebrated his 39th birthday in quarantine. This was done to prevent the risk of him contracting any foreign viruses from the Moon.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, quarantine became an effective measure to isolate those at risk of infection, helping to limit the spread of the virus in the community. Over 50 years ago, the U.S. government implemented this measure with three NASA heroes – Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin Aldrin – after they returned to Earth on July 24, 1969.
Notably, Armstrong celebrated his 39th birthday during the 21-day mandatory quarantine. Despite not having many loved ones around, his birthday in quarantine was still filled with joy, according to CNN.
The celebration included a cake adorned with bright candles. The cake was made by the staff at the Lunar Receiving Laboratory at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, which was also where the astronauts went into quarantine.
After blowing out the candles, Armstrong shared the cake with the staff in the quarantine area and his crew. In a nearby room, separated by glass partitions, the wives of the astronauts joined in celebrating Armstrong’s birthday. He even pretended to offer them cake.
Neil Armstrong’s birthday was celebrated in quarantine. (Photo: CNN).
The Journey After Returning
At that time, many science fiction films conveyed themes of fear regarding the transmission of diseases from space. Therefore, the quarantine was to ensure the safety of all, as the astronauts may have come into contact with harmful bacteria from the Moon.
The Apollo 11 mission was humanity’s first interaction with the surface of another celestial body. Doctors closely monitored the three astronauts. Another team examined and studied the lunar rocks and dust brought back by Armstrong and his team.
Scientists sought to protect any potential organisms from the Moon that might survive in Earth’s conditions. The samples were preserved in a vacuum to avoid contamination from the Earth’s environment.
Upon landing in the Pacific Ocean, Armstrong’s team was picked up by a helicopter and taken to the USS Hornet aircraft carrier. At this point, they all had to wear protective suits and were specially safeguarded and quarantined in a silver vehicle. All landing equipment was thoroughly sterilized.
President Richard Nixon welcomes the returning astronauts. (Photo: CNN).
Research on Lunar Rocks
Forty-eight hours after the spacecraft returned to Earth, the lunar samples and films were processed and examined. Armstrong’s team brought back over 22 kg of material. The laboratory would check for gamma radiation or any microorganisms.
NASA stated that the facility where the samples were studied was even cleaner than a sterilized operating room.
While scientists did not believe that life existed on the Moon, they did not completely rule out the possibility until the sample analysis was completed.
Additionally, scientists discovered intriguing features in the lunar dust and rocks, such as their high titanium content.
A scientist studying the samples brought back from the Moon. (Photo: CNN).
The analysis of the samples indicated no evidence of life or any harmful substances. Live organisms, such as cockroaches, were also exposed to the samples, and they did not exhibit any negative or unusual effects.
Later, the crews of Apollo 12 and 14 followed a similar quarantine protocol.
However, by the time the Apollo 15, 16, and 17 missions began, NASA believed that quarantine was no longer necessary. After initial medical examinations, astronauts were free to return to their normal lives.
Nilufar Ramji, a communications specialist at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, stated that when humans return to the Moon in 2024, post-return quarantine will also not be necessary.
Life in Quarantine for Astronauts
During the quarantine period, medical staff conducted regular checks to ensure the astronauts were not adversely affected by the spacecraft or any potential pathogens.
Laboratory staff were also closely monitored for health. Even their waste was tested. This was to ensure that if anyone contracted a virus, the pathogen would not escape their bodies to spread outside.
The entire quarantine process was supervised from outside by two doctors. Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) also inspected the laboratory.
Astronauts living in a mobile quarantine unit provided by Airstream. (Photo: CNN).
As for the astronauts, they played cards, read magazines, and listened to news about their mission. They also tried to respect each other’s privacy as much as possible. For instance, when Aldrin was on the phone with his wife, Collins wore headphones while Armstrong played the ukulele.
Most of the astronauts’ time in quarantine was spent reflecting and learning from the mission. Each astronaut entered a glass-partitioned room to discuss various aspects of the trip with NASA staff.
The quarantine gates finally opened on August 10, 1969. The astronauts were able to walk in the evening in Texas. This was their first time stepping out and interacting with the public after a long period of isolation during and after the mission.
