Neil Armstrong's Milestones

Neil Armstrong was an American astronaut and aeronautical engineer who became the first human to walk on the moon during Apollo 11 in 1969, inspiring generations of explorers and dreamers.
1930

Birth

Neil Armstrong was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio, to Stephen and Viola Armstrong.

Family August 5, 1930
1936

First flight experience

Took his first airplane flight at age six, sparking his interest in aviation.

Achievement July 20, 1936
1946

Earned pilot's license

Earned his student pilot's license at age 16.

Achievement August 15, 1946
1949

Naval aviator

Served as a naval aviator in the Korean War, flying 78 combat missions.

Career January 26, 1949 - August 23, 1952
1955

Bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering

Received a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University.

Education January 1, 1955

Test pilot at Edwards AFB

Worked as a test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base, flying experimental aircraft including the X-15.

Career June 1, 1955 - September 16, 1962
1962

Selected as NASA astronaut

Selected as an astronaut by NASA in the second group.

Career September 17, 1962
1966

Gemini 8 mission

Commanded Gemini 8, performing the first successful docking of two spacecraft in orbit.

Achievement March 16, 1966 - March 17, 1966
1969

Apollo 11 mission

Commanded Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing.

Achievement July 16, 1969 - July 24, 1969

First moonwalk

Became the first human to walk on the moon, speaking the famous words, 'That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.'

Achievement July 20, 1969
1970

Served on accident investigation boards

Served on the Apollo 13 and Challenger accident investigation boards.

Other January 1, 1970 - January 1, 1986
1971

Left NASA

Left NASA and became a professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati.

Career August 1, 1971
2012

Death

Neil Armstrong died in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Other August 25, 2012