Space exploration · United States · 1930–2012
Neil Armstrong Life & Career Timeline
Naval aviator, research pilot, astronaut and the first human to walk on the Moon.
18 MomentsGet your own timeline now — free
19301942195419661978199020022012
NANeil ArmstrongSpace exploration · United States
← Drag, scroll or swipe through the timeline →
About this timeline
About Neil Armstrong
Neil Armstrong joined engineering discipline with calm command through the X-15, Gemini 8 and Apollo 11.
Page updated
Choose any Moment on the timeline to read its story, see why it matters and continue to the original source. Connected Moments open the other person’s timeline.
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team.
Neil Armstrong biography
Neil Armstrong timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born near Wapakoneta
Neil Alden Armstrong was born to Stephen and Viola Armstrong.
Source: www.nasa.govFirst airplane ride
A Ford Tri-Motor flight intensified his childhood fascination with aviation.
Source: www.nasa.govStudent pilot licence
Armstrong qualified to fly before receiving a driving licence.
Source: www.nasa.govBegins at Purdue University
A Navy scholarship supported aeronautical-engineering studies.
Source: www.nasa.govNaval aviator training
The Navy called Armstrong to active duty during his university programme.
Source: www.nasa.govAircraft damaged over Korea
Armstrong ejected safely after his Panther jet was struck during a combat mission.
Source: www.nasa.govCompletes 78 combat missions
He left active duty decorated with the Air Medal and Gold Stars.
Source: www.nasa.govEngineering degree and NACA
Armstrong graduated and joined the NACA as an aeronautical research pilot.
Source: www.nasa.govMoves to High-Speed Flight Station
He began testing experimental aircraft at the future Armstrong Flight Research Center.
Source: www.nasa.govFirst X-15 flight
Armstrong made the first of seven flights in the hypersonic rocket plane.
Source: www.nasa.govSelected as NASA astronaut
NASA chose Armstrong for its second astronaut group.
Source: www.nasa.govGemini 8 docking and emergency
Armstrong commanded the first docking in space, then recovered from a dangerous uncontrolled roll.
Source: www.nasa.govApollo 11 launches
Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins departed for the Moon.
Source: www.nasa.govEagle lands on the Moon
Armstrong manually guided the lunar module to a safe landing with little fuel remaining.
Source: www.nasa.govFirst human step on the Moon
Armstrong became the first person to walk on another world.
Source: www.nasa.govProfessor at University of Cincinnati
After leaving NASA, he taught aerospace engineering until 1979.
Source: www.nasa.govChallenger commission
Armstrong served as vice chairman of the investigation into the shuttle disaster.
Source: www.nasa.govDies in Cincinnati
Armstrong died aged 82 following complications from cardiovascular surgery.
Source: www.nasa.govExplore related timelines
This educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Neil Armstrong or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
Photo: NASA / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Schools, fan clubs & cultural organisations
Help maintain this public story.
Bring knowledge, archives and a community together around a carefully sourced timeline.
Quick answers
About the Neil Armstrong timeline
Who is Neil Armstrong?
Neil Armstrong joined engineering discipline with calm command through the X-15, Gemini 8 and Apollo 11.
How many moments are included?
This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning 1930–2012.
Who maintains this timeline?
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
Your life deserves its own story.
Bring your photographs, videos and most important Moments together in one beautiful timeline.
Start your own life story now — free