The Apollo 12 Launch: Nov. 14, 1969
As the world celebrates the first landing of a robot probe on a comet, remember Apollo 12's launch 45 years ago. Though the take-off was nearly a disaster, it led to mankind's second trip to the moon.
"Roaring upward into a dense cloud bank, Apollo 12 disappeared from view almost immediately, its trail outlined by twin lightning flashes," TIME reported. "As President Nixon watched open-mouthed among the drenched and awe-struck spectators, Astronaut Charles ("Pete") Conrad radioed back reassuring words: 'This baby is really going.'"