#Lyn collins series

The success of Apollo 11 in 1969 was the culmination of that process.' 'Kennedy believed this investment would also have implications on the American economy and society. 'Kennedy believed technological achievements were important to the Cold War race but also that the investment in the Apollo program would have implications back home in terms of national capabilities in research and development,' said Odom. That meant countless resources being poured into NASA's space program. This competition between the two global giants propelled both countries to press forward with the Space Race with the goal of letting the world know which nation was number one. 'At the time, the Cold War magnified these defeats, as communism and democracy were locked in what appeared to many to be an existential battle around the world.'

#Lyn collins series

The decision followed a series of notable firsts for the Soviets, including Sputnik in 1957 and Yuri Gagarin’s orbital flight in April 1961,' Odom explained. Kennedy committed the US to the Moon program.

The triumph of that historic day was the result of the US battling the Soviet Union during the 20th century in what became known as the Space Race. 'Once the astronauts returned home, they became instant celebrities, as the landing was understood to be one of the greatest of humanity's accomplishments.' 'The reaction to Apollo 11 was tremendous both in the US and internationally,' Odom told Anadolu Agency. 'His calm, cool demeanor during the mission also became legendary and made him the subject of many documentaries, films, and stories.' 'Obviously, firsts are usually the ones we remember the most, and Neil’s accomplishment certainly ranks among the most notable firsts of all time,' said Brian Odom, the US space agency’s acting chief historian. 'That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,' he exclaimed on that glorious day. For all eternity, the US will lay claim to being the first country to put a man on the moon.įifty-three years ago, on July 20, 1969, NASA spacecraft Apollo 11 landed on the moon with astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins aboard.Īll three became iconic figures around the world, with Armstrong becoming the first human to set foot on the moon's surface.