The first man to set foot on the moon has left the earth for the last time.
Neil Armstrong, the American astronaut who traveled aboard the Apollo 11 in July 1969 to make the first lunar landing, died Saturday.
The 82-year-old, who underwent heart surgery this month, “passed away following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures,” according to a statement from family members.
He was 38 years old when he made his famous second trip into space with fellow astronauts Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin and Michael Collins.
Alden Chodash, an 18-year-old chemical engineering freshman, said the lunar landing inspired several generations to overcome challenges.
“He defied expectations and showed that the sky really isn’t the limit,” Chodash said. “It opened up a whole new era of astrology and space exploration.”
Alex Chisholm, a 21-year-old physics senior, said Armstrong is an important role model for students who dream of traveling to space.
He said he remembered the astronaut for his iconic phrase, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
“It’s all summarized in that little quote,” Chisholm said. “It symbolizes what humanity is capable of.”
Contact Michael Davidson at mdavidson@alligator.org.
