Aerospace engineer, navy aviator, test pilot, and university lecturer Neil Armstrong is most known for his historic mission to the moon. His immortal phrase, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," rang out throughout the globe and signaled a new era of space travel and human achievement.

What It Takes to Become an Astronaut

Armstrong's interest in aviation began before his birth on August 5, 1930, in Wapakoneta, Ohio. He went on his first flight when he was six years old, and by the time he turned sixteen, he already had his student pilot's license. Later, he attended Purdue University on a U.S. Navy scholarship to study aeronautical engineering. Armstrong was a naval aviator during the Korean War before joining what was then called the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) and eventually NASA.

Contest on the Moon

A string of successes during Armstrong's NASA tenure led to the Apollo 11 mission. In 1961, as the space race between the US and the USSR heated up, President John F. Kennedy issued a challenge to the country: put a man on the moon before the end of the decade. Armstrong became a NASA astronaut in 1962, and in 1966, as the Gemini 8 mission's command pilot, he accomplished the first space docking.

The Apollo 11 Mission: A New Era Begins

Apollo 11 launched on July 20, 1969, with astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins aboard. Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the moon since he was in charge of the expedition. An estimated 650 million people across the world watched and listened with suspense and awe as he descended from the lunar module "Eagle." Armstrong's historic moon landing forever immortalized him as a champion of human curiosity and innovation.

Space Suit's Designer Revealed

Armstrong was revered not only for his moonwalk, but also for his exceptional test piloting skills, technical acumen, and unassuming attitude. After leaving NASA in 1971, he went on to make significant contributions to the aerospace industry as a professor of aeronautical engineering at the University of Cincinnati and a member of several boards of directors.

History and Motivation

On August 25, 2012, Neil Armstrong passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered long after his moonwalk. As the first human being to set foot on the moon, he encouraged people all around the world to broaden their horizons, seek out new experiences, and test the limits of what is possible.