Whatever people believe or don't believe, with the compartmentalised nature of governmental institutions, I'd surmise that those designing the propulsion systems and mechanics thought they were working on the real deal .. thus somewhere in a dusty old drawer, there are observable facts relating to the intent behind its creation, whether Neil had an epiphany after seeing the earth is a matter of perspective. Equally, relaying that ephinany alongside all the mechanics it took to get him there, might not have created the same impact. ;)