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Neil Armstrong

Military Service Astronaut, military pilot, educator. Born on August 5, 1930, near Wapakoneta, Ohio. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong made history by becoming the first man to walk on the moon. He developed a fascination with flight at an early age and earned his student pilot’s license when he was 16. In 1947, Armstrong […]

Buzz Aldrin

Buzz Aldrin’s Early Life Born Edwin Eugene “Buzz” Aldrin, Jr. on January 20, 1930, in Montclair, New Jersey. The nickname “Buzz” originated in childhood: his little sister mispronounced the word “brother” as “buzzer.” His family shortened the nickname to “Buzz.” Aldrin would make it his legal first name in 1988. His mother, Marion Moon, was […]

1969 Moon Landing

JFK’s Pledge Leads to Start of Apollo Program The American effort to send astronauts to the moon had its origins in an appeal President Kennedy made to a special joint session of Congress on May 25, 1961: “I believe this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing […]

Apollo 13

Apollo 13’s Mission On April 11, 1970, Apollo 13 launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. On board were astronauts James Lovell, John “Jack” Swigert and Fred Haise. Their mission was to reach the Fra Mauro highlands of the moon and explore the Imbrium Basin, conducting geological experiments along the way. WATCH: Apollo 13: Modern Marvels on […]