Neil Armstrong Accomplishments

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“That’s one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind”, a phrase over 450 million people heard live at 8:17 PM on July 20th 1969, but also words you most likely heard in your elementary school history class. The landing on the Moon not only brought America together in awe of the great accomplishment, but it also showed the endless possibilities of capitalist economies which were not commonly recognized. Neil Armstrong not only proved that exploration to the Moon was possible, but he made a profound impact on mankind, the future of science, and symbolized the power of exploration. Over 450 million people were clustered around a TV to watch Neil take the first step on to a floating rock over 200,000 miles from Earth. Neil Armstrong's courage …show more content…

Something that is not commonly talked about is the need for Neil during the flight, and especially the landing. The trip to the Moon was not Neil's first time in space, and would not be the first time he faced in-flight challenges. During his flight on Gemini VIII, he began spinning and rotating. When Neil and the other astronauts undocked, Gemini’s rotation increased to the point where the crew could black out and die, and Armstrong’s relaxed handling of the situation saved their lives (National Air and Space). Armstrong was extremely experienced flying, and got his pilots licence at just 16. He attended Purdue University on a naval scholarship, and studied aeronautical engineering (designing, developing, and building airplanes). During the same time, the navy trained Neil as a fighter pilot in Florida, later interrupting his studies to fly 78 combat missions in the Korean War. Douglas Brinkely, the president of the New York Historical Society, also talks about the profound control and tranquility Neil carries. He writes “He clearly demonstrated how he had earned his legendary reputation for self control” (THE MAN AND THE …show more content…

The increased interest in lunar science helped NASA make faster and more profound technology and discoveries after the landing, ultimately contributing to the advancements of the travel to Mars. Alongside the advancement in technology, the Moon landing also caused a great amount of national pride in America, and proved the strength of the United States. Previously, capitalist countries were believed to have a disadvantage when it came to technology and discovery. When the USSR was able to successfully complete the Sputnik, Lunik, Vostok, and Voshod missions, there was a uncertainty that free market economics could achieve these great revolutionary accomplishments on such a big scale as a human moon landing (Nick Spall, The impact of Apollo). With the Cold War occurring simultaneously, this was a huge moment for America, and proving their power. “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” (John F. Kennedy). The Moon landing, made possible by Neil Armstrong, will continue to be impactful on all of

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