Neil Armstrong, first man on the moon, dies at 82
http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/neil-armstrong-first-man-on-the-moon-dies-at-82-20120826-24tyr.html
Tributes are flowing in for Neil Armstrong, the quiet, self-described nerdy engineer who became a global hero when he stepped on to the moon.
As long as there are history books, Neil Armstrong will be included in them, remembered for taking humankind's first small step on a world beyond our own
Armstrong died on Saturday aged 82 from complications following heart surgery earlier this month.
Neil Armstrong ... "all the courage in the world." Photo: AP
NASA chief Charles Bolden recalled Armstrong's grace and humility in a statement on Saturday.
Advertisement "As long as there are history books, Neil Armstrong will be included in them, remembered for taking humankind's first small step on a world beyond our own," Bolden said.
The third astronaut on Armstrong's fateful mission in 1969, Michael Collins, told NASA on Saturday: "He was the best, and I will miss him terribly," Collins said.
One of Armstrong's closest astronaut friends was fellow Ohioan, Mercury astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth.
A ‘‘deeply saddened’’ President Barack Obama hailed Armstrong as one of the nation’s greatest ever heroes, for having inspired a generation to reach for the stars.
‘‘When he and his fellow crew members lifted off aboard Apollo 11 in 1969, they carried with them the aspirations of an entire nation,’’ Obama said in a statement on Saturday.
‘‘They set out to show the world that the American spirit can see beyond what seems unimaginable - that with enough drive and ingenuity, anything is possible. And when Neil stepped foot on the surface of the moon for the first time, he delivered a moment of human achievement that will never be forgotten.’’
Obama, who was just under eight years old when Armstrong and his fellow Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon on July 20, 1969, said: ‘‘Neil was among the greatest of American heroes - not just of his time, but of all time.
‘‘Today, Neil’s spirit of discovery lives on in all the men and women who have devoted their lives to exploring the unknown - including those who are ensuring that we reach higher and go further in space.
‘‘That legacy will endure - sparked by a man who taught us the enormous power of one small step.’’
Obama’s Republican challenger for the White House, Mitt Romney, said Armstrong now ‘‘takes his place in the hall of heroes’’.
British astronomer Sir Patrick Moore said: "As the first man on the moon, he broke all records.
"I knew him well. He was a man who had all the courage in the world."
Just prior to the 50th anniversary of Glenn's orbital flight this past February, Armstrong offered high praise to the elder astronaut and said that Glenn had told him many times how he wished he, too, had flown to the moon on Apollo 11. Glenn said it was his only regret.
Noted Armstrong in an email: "I am hoping I will be 'in his shoes' and have as much success in longevity as he has demonstrated." Glenn is 91.
At the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles on Saturday, visitors held a minute of silence for Armstrong. His family's statement made a simple request for anyone else who wanted to remember him: "Honour his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink."
Former British astronaut Tom Jones, who completed four space shuttle flights between 1990 and 2001, told Sky News: "Mr Armstrong was one of the astronauts that was my hero when I was growing up and I watched his initial landing on the moon in 1969 with incredible interest.
"I wanted to do exactly what Neil, and Buzz [Aldrin], and Mike Collins were doing that time. I hoped that one day I would have the chance to participate in the space program.
"He really was an inspiration to an entire generation of people."
It's the second death in a month of one of NASA's most visible, history-making astronauts. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, died of pancreatic cancer on July 23 at age 61.
Quotes reacting to Armstrong's death
- ‘‘For those who may ask what they can do to honour Neil, we have a simple request. Honour his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.’’ - Armstrong’s family, announcing his death in a written statement.
- ‘‘Neil was among the greatest of American heroes - not just of his time, but of all time. When he and his fellow crew members lifted off aboard Apollo 11 in 1969, they carried with them the aspirations of an entire nation. They set out to show the world that the American spirit can see beyond what seems unimaginable - that with enough drive and ingenuity, anything is possible. And when Neil stepped foot on the surface of the moon for the first time, he delivered a moment of human achievement that will never be forgotten.’’ - President Barack Obama.
- ‘‘When I think of Neil, I think of someone who for our country was dedicated enough to dare greatly.’’ - John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth and Armstrong’s close friend.
- ‘‘He was the best, and I will miss him terribly.’’ - Michael Collins, who flew to the moon with Armstrong and served as the command module pilot. -
‘‘On behalf of the Aldrin family we extend our deepest condolences to Carol & the entire Armstrong family on Neil’s passing. He will be missed.’’ - Buzz Aldrin, second man on the moon, via Twitter.
- ‘‘RIP Neil Armstrong. Thank you for everything, for your sacrifices, achievements, and inspiration. We will try to carry on your legacy.’’ - Bobak Ferdowsi, flight director on the current Mars Curiosity mission.
AP/PA
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/neil-armstrong-first-man-on-the-moon-dies-at-82-20120826-24tyr.html#ixzz24baHzWfc
http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/neil-armstrong-first-man-on-the-moon-dies-at-82-20120826-24tyr.html
Tributes are flowing in for Neil Armstrong, the quiet, self-described nerdy engineer who became a global hero when he stepped on to the moon.
As long as there are history books, Neil Armstrong will be included in them, remembered for taking humankind's first small step on a world beyond our own
Armstrong died on Saturday aged 82 from complications following heart surgery earlier this month.
Neil Armstrong ... "all the courage in the world." Photo: AP
NASA chief Charles Bolden recalled Armstrong's grace and humility in a statement on Saturday.
Advertisement "As long as there are history books, Neil Armstrong will be included in them, remembered for taking humankind's first small step on a world beyond our own," Bolden said.
The third astronaut on Armstrong's fateful mission in 1969, Michael Collins, told NASA on Saturday: "He was the best, and I will miss him terribly," Collins said.
One of Armstrong's closest astronaut friends was fellow Ohioan, Mercury astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth.
A ‘‘deeply saddened’’ President Barack Obama hailed Armstrong as one of the nation’s greatest ever heroes, for having inspired a generation to reach for the stars.
‘‘When he and his fellow crew members lifted off aboard Apollo 11 in 1969, they carried with them the aspirations of an entire nation,’’ Obama said in a statement on Saturday.
‘‘They set out to show the world that the American spirit can see beyond what seems unimaginable - that with enough drive and ingenuity, anything is possible. And when Neil stepped foot on the surface of the moon for the first time, he delivered a moment of human achievement that will never be forgotten.’’
Obama, who was just under eight years old when Armstrong and his fellow Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon on July 20, 1969, said: ‘‘Neil was among the greatest of American heroes - not just of his time, but of all time.
‘‘Today, Neil’s spirit of discovery lives on in all the men and women who have devoted their lives to exploring the unknown - including those who are ensuring that we reach higher and go further in space.
‘‘That legacy will endure - sparked by a man who taught us the enormous power of one small step.’’
Obama’s Republican challenger for the White House, Mitt Romney, said Armstrong now ‘‘takes his place in the hall of heroes’’.
British astronomer Sir Patrick Moore said: "As the first man on the moon, he broke all records.
"I knew him well. He was a man who had all the courage in the world."
Just prior to the 50th anniversary of Glenn's orbital flight this past February, Armstrong offered high praise to the elder astronaut and said that Glenn had told him many times how he wished he, too, had flown to the moon on Apollo 11. Glenn said it was his only regret.
Noted Armstrong in an email: "I am hoping I will be 'in his shoes' and have as much success in longevity as he has demonstrated." Glenn is 91.
At the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles on Saturday, visitors held a minute of silence for Armstrong. His family's statement made a simple request for anyone else who wanted to remember him: "Honour his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink."
Former British astronaut Tom Jones, who completed four space shuttle flights between 1990 and 2001, told Sky News: "Mr Armstrong was one of the astronauts that was my hero when I was growing up and I watched his initial landing on the moon in 1969 with incredible interest.
"I wanted to do exactly what Neil, and Buzz [Aldrin], and Mike Collins were doing that time. I hoped that one day I would have the chance to participate in the space program.
"He really was an inspiration to an entire generation of people."
It's the second death in a month of one of NASA's most visible, history-making astronauts. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, died of pancreatic cancer on July 23 at age 61.
Quotes reacting to Armstrong's death
- ‘‘For those who may ask what they can do to honour Neil, we have a simple request. Honour his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.’’ - Armstrong’s family, announcing his death in a written statement.
- ‘‘Neil was among the greatest of American heroes - not just of his time, but of all time. When he and his fellow crew members lifted off aboard Apollo 11 in 1969, they carried with them the aspirations of an entire nation. They set out to show the world that the American spirit can see beyond what seems unimaginable - that with enough drive and ingenuity, anything is possible. And when Neil stepped foot on the surface of the moon for the first time, he delivered a moment of human achievement that will never be forgotten.’’ - President Barack Obama.
- ‘‘When I think of Neil, I think of someone who for our country was dedicated enough to dare greatly.’’ - John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth and Armstrong’s close friend.
- ‘‘He was the best, and I will miss him terribly.’’ - Michael Collins, who flew to the moon with Armstrong and served as the command module pilot. -
‘‘On behalf of the Aldrin family we extend our deepest condolences to Carol & the entire Armstrong family on Neil’s passing. He will be missed.’’ - Buzz Aldrin, second man on the moon, via Twitter.
- ‘‘RIP Neil Armstrong. Thank you for everything, for your sacrifices, achievements, and inspiration. We will try to carry on your legacy.’’ - Bobak Ferdowsi, flight director on the current Mars Curiosity mission.
AP/PA
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/neil-armstrong-first-man-on-the-moon-dies-at-82-20120826-24tyr.html#ixzz24baHzWfc
