Step into the shoes of the Apollo 11 astronauts as we revisit some of the most stirring quotes from their historic lunar mission. From Neil Armstrong’s corrected statement that touched humanity, to Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins’ reflections from space, this collection encapsulates the profound impact of their journey, marrying technical achievement with poetic introspection.
List of Famous Quotes From Apollo 11 Crew
Neil Armstrong’s legendary declaration as he stepped onto the moon is just the beginning of the profound observations shared by the Apollo 11 crew. On July 16, 1969, these astronauts launched on a pioneering voyage that would mark a significant chapter in space exploration.
Explore some of the most famous quotes from Neil Armstrong, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, and Michael Collins as they reflect on their monumental journey and discuss the expansive future of space travel. Each astronaut contributed to a narrative of courage and curiosity as they ventured into the unknown, setting a new boundary for humanity.
Neil Armstrong Quotes
After descending the ladder onto the lunar surface, Armstrong uttered his historic words:
“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” (Armstrong would later claim, “‘ That’s one small step for ‘a’ man.’ It’s just that people didn’t hear it.”) However, the three astronauts had much more to say about their experience flying to the moon and back.
“There are great ideas undiscovered, breakthroughs available to those who can remove one of truth’s protective layers. There are places to go beyond belief.” – Neil Armstrong on vision
I think we’re going to the moon because it’s in the nature of the human being to face challenges. It’s by the nature of his deep inner soul … we’re required to do these things just as salmon swim upstream.”- Neil Armstrong on challenges (answered during Apollo 11’s pre-flight news conference)
“Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.” – Neil Armstrong after landing on the moon.
“I thought, well, when I step off, it’s just going to be a little step — a step from there down to there —but then I thought about all those 400,000 people who had given me the opportunity to make that step and thought it’s going to be a big something for all those folks and, indeed for a lot of others that weren’t even involved in the project, so it was kind of a simple correlation.” – Neil Armstrong on his famous quote.
“Pilots take no special joy in walking: pilots like flying. Pilots generally take pride in a good landing, not in getting out of the vehicle.” – Neil Armstrong on his moonwalk
“It’s an interesting place to be. I recommend it.” – Neil Armstrong on the lunar surface
“Oh, I am quite certain that we will have such bases in our lifetime, somewhat like the Antarctic stations and similar scientific outposts — continually manned. However, there is certainly a problem with the environment, the vacuum, and the high and low temperatures of day and night. Still, in all, in many ways, it’s more hospitable than Antarctica might be.” – Neil Armstrong on lunar bases
“I am, and ever will be, a white-socks, pocket-protector, nerdy engineer — born under the second law of thermodynamics, steeped in the steam tables, in love with free-body diagrams, transformed by Laplace, and propelled by compressible flow.” – Neil Armstrong on being an engineer
Buzz Aldrin Quotes
“Your mind is like a parachute: If it isn’t open, it doesn’t work.” – Buzz Aldrin on keeping an open mind
“One truth I have discovered for sure: When you believe that all things are possible and you are willing to work hard to accomplish your goals, you can achieve the next ‘impossible’ dream. No dream is too high!” – Buzz Aldrin on dreams
“There’s tremendously satisfying freedom associated with weightlessness. It’s challenging in the absence of traction or leverage, and it requires thoughtful readjustment. I found the experience of weightlessness to be one of the most fun and enjoyable, challenging, and rewarding experiences of spaceflight. Returning to Earth brings with it a great sense of heaviness and a need for careful movement. In some ways, it’s not too different from returning from a rocking ocean ship.” – Buzz Aldrin on weightlessness
“Magnificent desolation.” – Buzz Aldrin on the lunar surface.
“The urge to explore has propelled evolution since the first water creatures reconnoitered the land. Like all living systems, cultures cannot remain static; they evolve or decline. They explore or expire.” – Buzz Aldrin on exploration
“As the senior crew member, it was appropriate for [Armstrong] to be the first. But after years and years of being asked to speak to a group of people and then be introduced as the second man on the moon, it does get a little frustrating. Is it really necessary to point out to the crowd that somebody else was first when we all went through the same training, landed at the same time, and contributed? But for the rest of my life, I’ll always be identified as the second man to walk on the moon. [Laughs.]” – Buzz Aldrin on being the second man on the moon
“From the distance of the moon, Earth was four times the size of a full moon seen from Earth. It was a brilliant jewel in the black velvet sky. Yet it was still at a great distance, considering the challenges of the voyage home.” – Buzz Aldrin on looking back at Earth
“Everyone who’s been in space would, I’m sure, welcome the opportunity for a return to the exhilarating experiences there. For me, a flight in a shuttle, though most satisfying, would be anticlimactic after my flight to the moon.” – Buzz Aldrin on returning to space
Michael Collin Quotes
“We are off! And do we know it, not just because the world is yelling ‘Liftoff’ in our ears, but because the seats of our pants tell us so! The modern pilot is always told to trust your instruments, not your body, but this beast is best felt. Shake, rattle and roll!”- Michael Collins on Liftoff
“I am alone now, truly alone, and absolutely isolated from any known life. I am it. If a count were taken, the score would be three billion plus two over on the other side of the moon, and one plus God knows what on this side.” – Michael Collins on orbiting the moon alone
“I really believe that if the political leaders of the world could see their planet from a distance of, let’s say, 100,000 miles, their outlook would be fundamentally changed. The all-important border would be invisible, that noisy argument suddenly silenced.” – Michael Collins on looking down at Earth.
“I see more moon missions as delaying Mars, which is a much more interesting place to go.” – Michael Collins on Mars
As the echoes of Apollo 11 continue to resonate across generations, the words of Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins serve as timeless reminders of human potential and curiosity. Revisit their legendary phrases and carry forward their spirit of exploration and wonder. May their insights inspire you as much as they have inspired the world.
Thanks for reading this article. If you want to know more about this historic mission to the moon, please head over to this article named How Did Apollo 11 Communicate With Earth?
