jul 20, 1969 - Moon Landing

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In May 1961 President John Kennedy announced that the U.S. would land a man on the moon before the end of the decade. The commitment required funneling the bulk of American space exploration funds into this one project, eventuating in an estimated expense of approximately $24 billion. The goal was finally attained in the mission of Apollo 11, from July 16 to 24, 1969, providing the most striking television spectacular of the decade for a world-wide audience. The three astronauts were Neil A. Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. The lunar module, nicknamed “Eagle,” landed on the moon's surface on July 20, and Armstrong descended the ladder, uttering the now famous sentence: “That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” Armstrong and Aldrin spent 21 hours and 37 minutes on the moon.

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