Neil Armstrong Facts For Kids
Neil Armstrong: The First Man on the Moon
Neil Armstrong is an American astronaut and the first human being to set foot on the moon. He’s a true American hero, and his pioneering spirit has inspired generations of people all over the world.
Here are some amazing Neil Armstrong facts for kids:
Early Life
Neil Armstrong was born on August 5, 1930, in Wapakoneta, Ohio. As a young boy, he was always fascinated with airplanes and space. He loved to read books about aviation and watch movies about space exploration.
Education
Neil Armstrong attended Purdue University, where he studied aerospace engineering. He also joined the U.S. Navy, where he served as a pilot and flew combat missions in the Korean War.
NASA Career
In 1962, Neil Armstrong was finally recruited by NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, to become an astronaut. He completed intensive training programs and went on to serve as backup pilot for the Gemini 5 and 8 missions.
In 1969, he was finally given the opportunity of a lifetime – to lead the Apollo 11 mission to the moon.
The Moon Landing
On July 20, 1969, after traveling 238,855 miles, Neil Armstrong became the first human being to set foot on the moon. As he stepped onto its surface, he uttered the famous words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
He spent about two and a half hours walking on the moon, collecting samples, planting the U.S. flag and conducting experiments. His mission was a tremendous success and marked a significant milestone in space exploration history.
Neil Armstrong passed away on August 25, 2012, but his legacy lives on. He’s remembered as one of the greatest explorers in history, and his bravery and determination continue to inspire people of all ages to reach for the stars.