One of the most influential figures in space exploration was born on Aug. 5, 1930.
Neil Armstrong, who would become the first person to walk on the moon, was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio. His interest in aviation began at an early age, and he earned his student pilot’s license before obtaining a driver’s license.
Armstrong served as a naval aviator during the Korean War before becoming a test pilot and later joining NASA’s astronaut program.
On July 20, 1969, Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface during the Apollo 11 mission, delivering the famous words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
The moon landing was watched by an estimated 600 million people worldwide and remains one of the most significant achievements in human history.
After leaving NASA, Armstrong taught aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati and served on several national commissions related to aviation and space exploration.
Armstrong died on Aug. 25, 2012, at the age of 82, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists, engineers and explorers.
Each year, Aug. 5 marks the anniversary of the birth of the man whose historic first steps on the moon changed the course of history.