Not a Short Road Trip
Just about three hours after launch, the Apollo modules separated from the rocket. The Columbus one had to separate from the Eagle so that they were at the right configurations. Both parts docked together successfully, setting off toward the moon. About two space days later, they were in the lunar orbit.
The 12th Time’s a Charm
By now, it was July 20th. Aldrin and Armstrong climbed into the Eagle, allowing Collins to stay in the lunar orbit. The pair flew toward the moon’s surface. They had already circled the moon 12 times and were ready for the descent.