Smithsonian previews 'Apollo 50: Go for the Moon' show that tells story of first moon landing

WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum previewed their special 17-minute show, "Apollo 50: Go for the Moon," that will combine full-motion projection-mapping artwork on the Washington Monument with archival footage on adjacent screens to tell the story of the first moon landing.

FOX 5's Melanie Alnwick was at the National Mall early Wednesday morning and caught a glimpse of the preview. "It is incredible; it is inspiring; it is emotional and you really feel like you are right there in the middle of it," she said.

The project is part of the Smithsonian's celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon mission. The celebration continues on July 17 and 18, when a full-sized, 363-foot Saturn V rocket will be projected onto the east face of the Washington Monument from 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

The full "Apollo 50: Go for the Moon" experience will take place on July 19 and 20 from viewing areas on the National Mall in front of the Smithsonian Castle between ninth and 12th streets. Full sound, projection screens and a 40-foot-wide recreation of the famous Kennedy Space Center countdown clock will be part of the presentation. The free show will run three times on both nights -- 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.