This is the first page of a speech written by Bill Safire for President Nixon to read if the moon landing went poorly and the astronauts were unable to return. As we know, thankfully it was unnecessary but it's still a poignant insight into the fears and uncertainty of space exploration.
"Unbeknownst to the American people, one of the President's
speechwriters, William Safire, was asked to write a statement that the
President would make to the American people in the event of a disaster.
Though never delivered, it remains an eloquent tribute to the bravery
and pioneering spirit of the astronauts. When the astronauts of Apollo
XI returned safely to earth, their mission was hailed around the world
as an achievement of epic proportions, and this statement was quietly
tucked away into the record."
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