the lm was the last of the apollo “hardware” to be developed. its start had been delayed while nasa made up its mind to take the lunar-orbit meeting approach and thus require a vehicle like the lm for a landing. a contract with the prime builder was signed on january, 1963, almost two years after the apollo project began. the lm was tested several times in space. finally, on july 20, 1969 the apollo 11 lm eagle made the first manned lunar landing.