Neil Armstrong – First Man on the Moon and Legendary NASA Astronaut Dies at 82

It was with a heavy heart today that the news was announced regarding the death of legendary NASA astronaut, test pilot, and the first man to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong. Armstrong reportedly died at the age of 82.

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden issued a statement regarding the death of the former test pilot and NASA astronaut. For many was a hero and represented the face of the space agency at the height of its popularity.

“On behalf of the entire NASA family, I would like to express my deepest condolences to Carol and the rest of Armstrong family on the passing of Neil Armstrong. As long as there are history books, Neil Armstrong will be included in them, remembered for taking humankind’s first small step on a world beyond our own.

“Besides being one of America’s greatest explorers, Neil carried himself with a grace and humility that was an example to us all. When President Kennedy challenged the nation to send a human to the moon, Neil Armstrong accepted without reservation.

“As we enter this next era of space exploration, we do so standing on the shoulders of Neil Armstrong. We mourn the passing of a friend, fellow astronaut and true American hero.”

Best remembered for the statement he uttered from the surface of the moon as he prepared to make the first footprint on the surface of the moon on July 20, 1969,
“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” The commander of Apollo 11, Armstrong reportedly died on Saturday following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures.

Unlike Buzz Aldrin and several other Astronauts, Armstrong never tried to “cash in” on his fame. To all who knew him, he remained a private humble person once saying during a rare appearance in 2000, “I am, and ever will be, a white socks, pocket protector, nerdy engineer, and I take a substantial amount of pride in the accomplishments of my profession.”

Born on August 5, 1930, Armstrong took his first airplane ride at age 6, became fascinated with aviation and earned his pilot’s license at 16, prior to his driver’s license. At Purdue University Armstrong studied aeronautical engineering.

In 1949, Armstrong put his education on hold while flying some 78 combat missions for the U.S. Navy in Korea. He eventually returned to finish his studies and eventually earned a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Southern California.

In 1962 Armstrong was accepted into NASA’s second astronaut class and in 1966, commanded the Gemini 8 mission which performed the first docking in space. Three years later Armstrong changed the world when he became the first man to set foot on the moon. He will be missed, and he will be remembered.