When I reached home on Saturday after work, the RSS news ticker showed that we had lost one of the greatest explorers of all time, the one who made history by becoming the first human ever to step foot on the Moon – Neil Alden Armstrong. The event which is still remembered to this day as one of humanity’s greatest achievements changed the public perception of space exploration. The word 'we' is used intentionally here, because Armstrong made a huge impact worldwide when he took the first ever step on the lunar surface. He represented not only the United States but human society as a whole, by leaving behind an inscription which read - “We came in peace for all mankind”.

Armstrong was an embodiment of a true engineer who used his piloting skills to land the lunar module when it was low on fuel. He was an aerospace engineer by education, a combat and test pilot by profession and then of course, an astronaut, having flown on the Gemini 8 mission before the famous Apollo 11. The televised and radio-broadcasted event drew millions of followers worldwide. After returning from their mission, astronauts Aldrin and Armstrong made a 22-nation goodwill tour. He along with fellow astronauts inspired a whole generation of young children, the world over, to become scientists, engineers and astronauts.

In a rare public appearance in 2000, Armstrong said “I am, and ever will be, a white socks, pocket protector and nerdy engineer, and  I take a substantial amount of pride in the accomplishments of my profession.

It is sad that he is no longer amongst us and waiting to take pride in the accomplishments that shall arise from the Google Lunar X-Prize challenge. We, at Team Indus, continue to be inspired from pioneers such as Neil Armstrong and strive to recreate the moment in history that he created by taking that one small step for man. We will follow his family's advise, you should too!

"For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink." ~ Neil Armstrong's family