The Apollo 11 astronauts took a historically significant artifact with them to the Moon: a small piece of wood from the Wright Flyer, the first successful heavier-than-air powered aircraft. This piece symbolized the pioneering spirit of human flight and connected the early achievements of the Wright brothers with humanity's first steps on the lunar surface. It served as a tangible tribute to the progression of human aviation and exploration
. In addition to this, the astronauts carried two U.S. flags that had previously flown over the U.S. Capitol. One flag, which flew over the Senate wing, traveled to space with Apollo 11 and was later presented to Vice President Spiro Agnew. The other flag, flown over the House of Representatives wing, was presented to Speaker John McCormack. These flags symbolized national pride and the government support that made the Apollo 11 mission possible
. Furthermore, the astronauts brought back lunar samples weighing about 22 kilograms, and they carried equipment such as Neil Armstrong's lunar helmet visor and gloves, which have become iconic artifacts representing the mission's technological and historical significance
. In summary, the key historical artifact taken by Apollo 11 astronauts to the Moon was the piece of Wright Flyer wood, symbolizing the link between early aviation and space exploration, alongside important national symbols like the Capitol flags
