As one of the most renowned astronauts in human history, Neil Alden Armstrong was born on August 5, 1930, in Wapakoneta, a city in Ohio, USA. Born an American, educated only until high school, and advancing through the rank of an astronaut to becoming the first man to step on the moon, Neil Armstrong was a dreamer, an achiever, and a path-breaker in every sense of the term.
NASA has brought Armstrong closer to space through its space missions. He made history on July 20, 1969, when he landed on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission, thereby becoming the first man on the moon. His famous words, βThatβs one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,β remain inspiring as a result of peopleβs hard work and curiosity.
Armstrong was honored and awarded throughout his career for his contributions to the space sector, particularly aeronautics. He was quiet and once said that after being an astronaut, he became a teacher and lecturer, teaching about the Apollo missions.
Armstrong was able to leave an indelible mark in the annals of the Air Force that remains even up to his death on August 25, 2012, at the age of 82. His existent contributions to humanityβs space mission and exploration mark him as a pioneer for generations to come.
BASIC BIOGRAPHY | |
REAL NAME | Neil Alden Armstrong |
BIRTHDATEΒ | August 5, 1930 |
AGE | 82 (passed away on August 25, 2012) |
BIRTHPLACE | Wapakoneta, Ohio, USA |
NATIONALITY | American |
PROFESSION | Astronaut, Aeronautical Engineer, Naval Aviator, Test Pilot, and University Professor |
MARITAL STATUS | Married (first to Janet Shearon from 1956 to 1994, then to Carol Held Knight from 1994 until his death) |
HEIGHT | Approximately 5 feet, 11 inches (180 cm) |
WEIGHT | Approximately 165 pounds (75 kg) |
ZODIAC SIGN | Leo |
ETHNICITY / RACE | Caucasian |
Career, Lifestyle, and Income Source
Career:
The journey of Neil Armstrong is an inspiring one for everyone, whether for his dedication, expertise, or sheer spirit of adventure. His professional journey encompasses multiple fields, including His professional journey encompasses multiple fields, including:
- Naval Aviator: Armstrongβs ambitions started as a naval aviator in 1949, and during the Korean War, he flew 78 slots. This military background, particularly the time he spent in the Navy, provided the basis for his prospects in aviation and space.
- Test Pilot: Following their service in the Navy, Armstrong also worked as a test pilot for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, or NACA, which later became NASA. He also piloted various other experimental aircraft, such as the X-15 rocket aircraft, which was considered one of the pioneers of high-speed and high-altitude flights.
- NASA Astronaut: Armstrong was selected as an astronaut by NASA in early 1972. The mission perhaps most associated with Aldrin was the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, which was the first to land humans on the lunar surface. He also flew on a Gemini 8 mission in 1966, proving that he was also a good astronaut.
- University Professor: Armstrong returned to NASA after Apollo, and he taught after the termination of his service in NASs in 1971 up to 1979 when he retired from the University of Cincinnati, where he was a professor of aerospace engineering. Johann Bernoulli was committed to his pursuit of education and to disseminating knowledge to other people during this part of his life.
Lifestyle:
Neil Armstrong was quite a discrete and rather low-profile man, seeking anonymity despite being a huge icon all over the world. Overall, he was eager to keep his private life away from the public domain and did not seek fame often. Armstrong loved his family, was always jovial, and was described as a man of a simple, low profile. He was from Ohio, and as a strange man keeping to himself, he was a reclusive man living in a rural and quiet area.
Armstrong was married twice. He first married Janet Shearon in 1956, and they had three children: Eric, Karen (but unfortunately, she died at a very tender age), & Mark. Armstrong got a divorce in 1994 and the same year he married Carol Held Knight.
Income Sources:
Neil Armstrong’s income sources varied throughout his life, reflecting his diverse career and contributions.
- Military and NASA Salary: Armstrongβs first earnings were from the U.S. Navy as a serviceman, as well as his remuneration as an astronaut with NASA. While not handsomely paid by today’s standards, astronauts were paid regularly and reliably.
- University Salary: Armstrong was also a professor at the University of Cincinnati and he received his pay for the teaching services and any other academic duties performed.
- Public Speaking and Appearances: In the post-NASA period, Armstrong engaged in several other endeavors, such as public utterances and appearances, which helped much in replenishing his financial needs. Still, it should be mentioned that the man was rather careful with such possibilities, staying more loyal to his desire to be more private.
- Consulting and Corporate Roles: In addition to this, Armstrong was a spokesman and was on the board of most corporations, which helped him earn his income from such companies as United Airlines and the Eaton Corporation.
- Book Royalties and Media Projects: Besides, Armstrong co-authored some books and appeared in documentaries and other media-related works that helped to yield more profit.
Neil Armstrong and his life, as well as his career up until the moment he gained his invaluable experience, will always inspire and amaze people. These accomplishments underline the remarkable character of a truly unique pioneering spirit manifested in this man, whom we knew as the man behind the space exploration yet remained humble and a private person till his death.
NET WORTH OF THE LAST FIVE YEARS | |||
1 | 2012 | $8 million | |
2 | 2011 | $8 million | |
3 | 2010 | $8 million | |
4 | 2009 | $8 million | |
5 | 2008 | $8 million |
Family and Relationships of Neil Armstrong
Though relying on professional success, Neil Armstrong also had strong family bonds and personal sorrow. He was married and had three childrenβone of them from his first wife and two others from his second wife, as far as I know.
- Parents:
- Father: Stephen Koenig Armstrong, a state auditor.
- Mother: Viola Louise Engel.
- Siblings:
- Neil had a younger brother, Dean Armstrong, and a younger sister, June Armstrong.
- Marriages and Children:
- First Marriage: Janet Elizabeth Shearon
- Marriage Duration: January 28, 1956 β 1994
- Children:
- Eric “Rick” Armstrong: Born in 1957, Rick is an accomplished software engineer and has followed a path somewhat outside the public eye.
- Karen “Muffie” Armstrong: Born in 1959, Karen tragically passed away from complications related to a brain tumor in 1962.
- Mark Armstrong: Mark, born in 1963, worked in software engineering and worked on his father’s legacy projects.
- Second Marriage: Carol Held Knight
- Marriage Duration: June 12, 1994 β August 25, 2012 (until Neil’s death)
- Carol and Neil did not have children together, but Carol had two children from her previous marriage.
- First Marriage: Janet Elizabeth Shearon
Relationships:
Neil Armstrong appears to have had several significant interactions during his lifetime, but one could gather that he remained a devoted husband and father who could effectively manage a highly decorated military as well as an astronaut career.
- Janet Shearon Armstrong:
- Janet was always Doris, through the period when Neil entered his professional career and the rocky phase of the Apollo projects. Although Jackson and Jones got divorced in 1994, Janet was still an important part of Neilβs life, especially when he was working with NASA. Their bond was tested by Eric’s family’s struggles, such as Karen’s radical death.
- Carol Held Knight Armstrong:
- Neil knows Carol after both have undergone some drastic alteration experiences in their own respective lives. Carol was a widow whose previous husband had died on her, while Neil was merely trying to adjust to living post-NASA life. They got married, and through her, Neil was able to have someone who would stand by him in the later decades of his life. Carol and Neil Major were good friends with each other; they shared a loving relationship that continued right up to Neilβs demise in 2012.
- Children:
- Neil was quite particular about his interaction with his children, and the kids were very close to him. However, he was not completely overwhelmed with work to the extent of neglecting them. Sadly, he lost his daughter Karen in a car accident, which had a big influence on him; nevertheless, he remained in touch with the other two sons, Rick and Mark.
Neil Armstrong is world-famous and world-class, yet he has retained his humanity. Despite his personal and financial struggles, he still befriends his father, showing his strength.