Imagine yourself in orbit, your spacecraft flying backward with its small window facing down toward the surface of the moon. You peer out, scouring the ash-colored contours of the cratered landscape for traces of ancient volcanic activity.

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.

Forty years ago, Apollo astronauts set out on a daring adventure to explore the Moon. They ended up discovering their own planet.

Radio amateurs from across the globe have been communicating this weekend using the 'moonbounce' technique as part of the commemoration of the Apollo 11 landing 40 years ago in July.

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.