Astronaut
Neil Armstrong
Neil Armstrong was born on August 5, 1930 in Wapakoneta, Ohio. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering at age 24 and joined NACA (predecessor to NASA) as a test pilot at 25.
Neil Armstrong was born in 1930 and lived to age 82. Anyone born before 1930 is older than Neil. Anyone over 82 is older than Neil ever was.
Born
August 5, 1930
Wapakoneta, Ohio
World pop: ~2.1B
Died
August 25, 2012
World pop: ~7.1B
Neil's age at death
82
Your age
20
Are you older than Neil Armstrong?
No — Neil Armstrong was born in 1930. You were born in 2006, making you 76 years younger. Neil lived to age 82. You are currently 20, so you are not yet older than Neil was when he died.
At your age (20), Neil had already earned his pilot's license (at age 16), but hadn't yet graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering (at age 24).
Neil's Life Timeline
Neil Armstrong was born on August 5, 1930, in Wapakoneta, Ohio. He grew up in a small town and developed a passion for aviation at an early age, earning his pilot's license before he even graduated high school. His early experiences in flight and engineering laid the groundwork for a remarkable career in aerospace and exploration.
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Armstrong's career took off when he joined the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as a test pilot in 1962. He became the commander of the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, where he made history as the first human to set foot on the Moon on July 20, 1969. His famous words, "That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind," marked a significant milestone in human exploration and space travel. He continued to contribute to NASA and the aerospace industry until his retirement.
After retiring from NASA, Armstrong took on a teaching role at the University of Cincinnati and remained active in various aerospace endeavors. He passed away on August 25, 2012, at the age of 82. Armstrong's legacy as a pioneer of space exploration endures, inspiring generations to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). His achievements in spaceflight and his contributions to aviation have left an indelible mark on history.
Earned his pilot's license
Neil Armstrong was 16 years old when he earned his pilot's license, making him one of the youngest licensed pilots at the time. This early achievement sparked his lifelong passion for aviation and set the stage for his future career as an astronaut.
Neil Armstrong was 16 years old when he earned his pilot's license in 1946. Are you older than Neil was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering
Neil Armstrong was 24 years old when he graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering. This academic achievement provided him with the technical foundation necessary for his future endeavors in aerospace.
Neil Armstrong was 24 years old when he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering in 1954. Are you older than Neil was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Joined NACA (predecessor to NASA) as a test pilot
Neil Armstrong was 25 years old when he joined NACA, the predecessor to NASA, as a test pilot at the Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory, later transferring to Edwards Air Force Base. His work involved flying experimental aircraft and contributed to the development of aerospace technologies.
Neil Armstrong was 25 years old when he joined NACA (predecessor to NASA) as a test pilot in 1955. Are you older than Neil was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Commanded Apollo 11 mission
Neil Armstrong was 38 years old when he commanded the Apollo 11 mission on July 20, 1969, becoming the first human to walk on the Moon. This historic event marked a pivotal moment in space exploration and human achievement.
Neil Armstrong was 38 years old when he commanded Apollo 11 mission in 1969. Are you older than Neil was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Neil Armstrong was 40 years old when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States. This award recognized his extraordinary contributions to space exploration and his role in the Apollo 11 mission.
Neil Armstrong was 40 years old when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1970. Are you older than Neil was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Became a professor of aerospace engineering
Neil Armstrong was 42 years old when he became a professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati. His role in academia allowed him to inspire and educate future generations of engineers and scientists.
Neil Armstrong was 42 years old when he became a professor of aerospace engineering in 1972. Are you older than Neil was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Passed away
Neil Armstrong was 82 years old when he passed away on August 25, 2012. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy as a pioneer of space exploration continues to inspire people around the world.
Neil Armstrong was 82 years old when he passed away in 2012. Are you older than Neil was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Age by Year
| Year | Age | Notable Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1930 | 0 | |
| 1931 | 1 | |
| 1932 | 2 | |
| 1933 | 3 | |
| 1934 | 4 | |
| 1935 | 5 | |
| 1936 | 6 | |
| 1937 | 7 | |
| 1938 | 8 | |
| 1939 | 9 | |
| 1940 | 10 | |
| 1941 | 11 | |
| 1942 | 12 | |
| 1943 | 13 | |
| 1944 | 14 | |
| 1945 | 15 | |
| 1946 | 16 | earned his pilot's license |
| 1947 | 17 | |
| 1948 | 18 | |
| 1949 | 19 | |
| 1950 | 20 | |
| 1951 | 21 | |
| 1952 | 22 | |
| 1953 | 23 | |
| 1954 | 24 | graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering |
| 1955 | 25 | joined NACA (predecessor to NASA) as a test pilot |
| 1956 | 26 | |
| 1957 | 27 | |
| 1958 | 28 | |
| 1959 | 29 | |
| 1960 | 30 | |
| 1961 | 31 | |
| 1962 | 32 | |
| 1963 | 33 | |
| 1964 | 34 | |
| 1965 | 35 | |
| 1966 | 36 | |
| 1967 | 37 | |
| 1968 | 38 | |
| 1969 | 39 | commanded Apollo 11 mission |
| 1970 | 40 | received the Presidential Medal of Freedom |
| 1971 | 41 | |
| 1972 | 42 | became a professor of aerospace engineering |
| 1973 | 43 | |
| 1974 | 44 | |
| 1975 | 45 | |
| 1976 | 46 | |
| 1977 | 47 | |
| 1978 | 48 | |
| 1979 | 49 | |
| 1980 | 50 | |
| 1981 | 51 | |
| 1982 | 52 | |
| 1983 | 53 | |
| 1984 | 54 | |
| 1985 | 55 | |
| 1986 | 56 | |
| 1987 | 57 | |
| 1988 | 58 | |
| 1989 | 59 | |
| 1990 | 60 | |
| 1991 | 61 | |
| 1992 | 62 | |
| 1993 | 63 | |
| 1994 | 64 | |
| 1995 | 65 | |
| 1996 | 66 | |
| 1997 | 67 | |
| 1998 | 68 | |
| 1999 | 69 | |
| 2000 | 70 | |
| 2001 | 71 | |
| 2002 | 72 | |
| 2003 | 73 | |
| 2004 | 74 | |
| 2005 | 75 | |
| 2006 | 76 | |
| 2007 | 77 | |
| 2008 | 78 | |
| 2009 | 79 | |
| 2010 | 80 | |
| 2011 | 81 | |
| 2012 | 82 | passed away |
