Neil Armstrong was an American astronaut, aeronautical engineer, test pilot, and university professor who became the first person to set foot on the Moon. His historic achievement occurred on July 20, 1969, during the Apollo 11 mission, marking a significant milestone in human space exploration.
Born on August 5, 1930, in Wapakoneta, Ohio, Armstrong developed an early interest in aviation. His father, Stephen Armstrong, worked as an auditor for the state of Ohio, and his mother, Viola Armstrong, was a homemaker. Neil Armstrong's fascination with flight was influenced by his family's frequent moves due to his father's job, which exposed him to various aviation environments.
Armstrong was selected as part of the second group of astronauts in 1962. His notable missions include:
After his lunar mission, Armstrong taught aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati. He also served on the Apollo 13 accident investigation and the Challenger disaster investigation boards. Armstrong largely withdrew from public life, avoiding media attention and focusing on personal interests and teaching.
Neil Armstrong passed away on August 25, 2012, at the age of 82 due to complications from coronary bypass surgery. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of astronauts, engineers, and scientists.