Joined NASA's Astronaut Corps In 1962 As A Civilian Pilot

In 1962, Neil Armstrong was called by Deke Slayton, NASA's Director of Flight Crew Operations, to join the prestigious NASA Astronaut Corps. This invitation came on September 13, 1962, as part of a new group of astronauts that the media would later refer to as 'the New Nine.' Without hesitation, Armstrong accepted the offer, marking a significant milestone in his career. Although the selection was kept under wraps for three days, rumors had already circulated about his potential selection as the 'first civilian astronaut.' Armstrong stood out as one of only two civilian pilots chosen for this elite group, alongside Elliot See, another former naval aviator. His extensive experience as a test pilot made him a valuable asset to NASA, and he was recognized as the most experienced test pilot in the Astronaut Corps at that time. This selection not only highlighted Armstrong's exceptional skills but also paved the way for his historic journey as the first human to set foot on the Moon in 1969, solidifying his legacy in the annals of space exploration. #mooflife #mof #MomentOfLife #NeilArmstrong #NasaAstronautCorps #DekeSlayton #CivilianAstronaut #SpaceExploration