This design by Borja was chosen as the 80th issue of the prestigious Society of Medalists series. The obverse bears a raised central field surrounding a recessed irregular five-sided window into the Apollo control room showing its staff; superimposed is a high-relief keeled "V" shape lined with human figures. Around, MAN'S EVER EXPANDING SPHERE OF EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND VISION; at lower edge of window, (BB monogram) © 1969.
The reverse bears Neil Armstrong about to step onto the Moon's surface. Around central field, NEIL ARMSTRONG - EDWIN E. ALDRIN JR. - MICHAEL COLLINS; at left, APOLLO 11; around, LEADS TO MAN'S ETERNAL QUEST OF SPACE EXPLORATION.
Buzan chose to highlight the "groundlings'" role on his obverse. The ground crew, the engineers, the scientists, as well as the public (represened by the many people on the "V") had a role to play. Without everyone's support, a project of this magnitude would not have been possible. Buzan's enthusiasm and optimism is representative of an entire generation that grew up with mankind tackling ever larger problems successfully and expanding its reach to areas previously deemed in the realm of science fiction. As it turned out, public support for the space program waned and eventually mankind's sphere of vision contracted again.
The medal measures 73mm in diameter. Struck by the Medallic Art Company of New York, the reported production quantity of this medal is 1,061 in bronze.
