Life at a glance (1930-2012)
Neil Armstrong, an American astronaut and aerospace engineer, etched his name into the annals of history by becoming the first human to set foot on the moon on July 20, 1969, during NASA's Apollo 11 mission. His iconic words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," resonated around the world as he descended from the lunar module, underscoring the significance of this monumental achievement.
Armstrong's calm and composed demeanor, along with his exceptional piloting skills, played a pivotal role in the success of the mission. Beyond his lunar voyage, he was an accomplished test pilot and aeronautical engineer, leaving an indelible mark on space exploration and inspiring generations to reach for the stars. His legacy as a symbol of human exploration and ambition continues to shine brightly in the cosmos of history.
Daring Deeds Adventure Game
To follow in Neil's footsteps, pick up a Daring Deeds gameboard (Jan. 30–April 1) at any library location, or track your mission status in Beanstack. You can even create your own Neil Armstrong avatar to play the game.
Explore more
These suggested reads from our collection will help you learn more about Neil's incredible life, or what it takes to become an astronaut!