Apollo 11

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the Moon while Michael Collins orbited above. The mission fulfilled Kennedy's 1961 challenge, proved that humans could survive beyond Earth, and returned 21.5 kg of lunar samples that reshaped our understanding of planetary formation. An estimated 600 million people watched the landing live — still one of the largest global audiences in history. Every space mission since stands on Apollo 11's shoulders.