It was the footage that mesmerised 600 million people.
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Now a rare copy of the Apollo 11 moon landing will be preserved in the National Film and Sound Archives.
The footage, which will be handed to the archives on Wednesday, is one of just three copies in the world and is the only footage to exist outside of the United States.
It comes ahead of the 50th anniversary of the mission later this month.
Science Minister Karen Andrews said it was given to the CSIRO by NASA in recognition of Australia's contribution to the moon landing and the ongoing collaboration in space science between Australia and the United States.
It was the deep space tracking station at Honeysuckle Creek, south of Canberra, and Parkes that helped to bring pictures of man walking on the moon to the world.
"Australia played an essential role in the success of the Apollo 11 mission 50 years ago and still today CSIRO supports NASA's work, including managing the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex," she said.
"The moon landing inspired millions of people and the Apollo 11 mission also had significant practical effects. It really marked the beginning of the digital age, driving dramatic advances in computing and communications."
Communication Minister Paul Fletcher said the footage would be preserved preserved for posterity, along with other major moments in Australian and world history.
Of course it was a worldwide event but it was only possible because of Australia. Australia played a very important role here in the success of the whole mission.
- Jan Muller
"This footage is a perpetual reminder of what human ingenuity can achieve," Mr Fletcher said.
National Film and Sound Archive chief executive Jan Muller said the moon landing broadcast was an important event in Australia's media history.
And while the archive had other film and television from the moon landing, this footage was the "missing link", Mr Muller said.
"The reason it's so important is it's a unique copy, it's the only one outside the US and donated by NASA itself," he said.
"Of course it was a worldwide event but it was only possible because of Australia. Australia played a very important role here in the success of the whole mission."
Mr Muller said the footage would be broadcast in its cinema and through online exhibitions.
Combined with their other material, he hoped it would provide a "time travelling experience".
"The program is called 'In case you missed it' and that's exactly what it's all about.
"I was born in '67 so I was two when the moon landing happened. Most people haven't been able to witness this themselves. It's about keeping memories alive. It's what we're here to do."
