Christmas Eve, 1968 -- As one of the most turbulent, tragic years in American history drew to a close, millions around the world were watching and listening as the Apollo 8 astronauts -- Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders -- became the first humans to orbit another world.

NASA will honor astronaut James "Jim" Lovell, Jr, with the presentation of an Ambassador of Exploration Award for his contributions to the US space program.

WASHINGTON, March 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA will honor astronaut James "Jim" Lovell, Jr., with the presentation of an Ambassador of Exploration Award for his contributions to the U.S. space program.

Forty years ago, the crew of Apollo 8 reached lunar orbit and filmmaker and historian Dr. Christopher Riley was there when it happened.

NASA Television will honor the 40th anniversary of the historic Christmas Eve broadcast by the Apollo 8 crew with special programming Dec 24 and 25 on the NASA TV Public Channel (101).