If you think NASA didn’t go to the moon, maybe you’re off the planet.

The main 'evidence' used to support that claim is hopelessly flawed. Pointing to photographs that may not have been taken during the mission itself simply doesn’t prove the mission didn’t happen.

In 1969, landing on the moon was the most daunting challenge ever attempted. It was also the most high-profile and expensive public event the world had ever seen. The importance of the public witnessing it was enormous. Especially so, given the cost of the exercise.

What many people overlook is that the imagery was not just a bonus. It was critical to the mission’s success. People had to see it with their own eyes.

Imagine landing on the moon and then discovering the camera doesn’t work. That would have been a catastrophic embarrassment. So they rehearsed everything meticulously, including the photography. That meant taking large numbers of practice images, many of which would have been retained.

Given the limitations of 1969 technology, capturing images and video on the lunar surface and beaming them home was itself somewhat risky. It’s entirely plausible that some of the imagery shown to the public was supplemented with pre-prepared material to ensure a coherent presentation.

But even if that were the case, what does it prove? The United States still undertook an extraordinarily risky mission and succeeded.

And here’s the killer point that conspiracy theorists clearly miss. If the moon landing had been a hoax, or more correctly a fraud, it would have required the continued silence of hundreds or even thousands of people. That level of secrecy is basically impossible. It could never have been kept quiet. Certainly not over a long period. Such a story would have made billions for news media and they don't miss those opportunities.

Exposure would have meant reputational and economic catastrophe for the United States. It would also have meant criminal charges for a very large number of high-profile individuals.

Why would the most wealthy, powerful and successful nation on Earth risk that level of self-destruction for a mere publicity stunt? That claim just isn't credible.

*AI may have been used for editing purposes only. All intellectual content is completely the work of the author unless otherwise stated.