Neil Armstrong, 1930-2012

It's odd how things are getting rough on SF fans and affacionados of science and space exploration in the obituary column right before Chicon 7. First there was the passing of Harry Harrison; then there was the death of Josepha Sherman. And then there was, at least in my opinion, the biggest one of all:

Armstrong faced an even bigger challenge in 1969. Along with Michael Collins and Edwin E. "Buzz" Aldrin, he was part of NASA's first manned mission to the moon. The trio were launched into space on July 16, 1969. Serving as the mission's commander, Armstrong piloted the Lunar Module to the moon's surface on July 20, 1969, with Buzz Aldrin aboard. Collins remained on the Command Module.

At 10:56 PM, Armstrong exited the Lunar Module. He said, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," as he made his famous first step on the moon. For about two and a half hours, Armstrongn and Aldrin collected samples and conducted experiments. They also took photographs, including their own footprints.

It's arguable that Armstrong has as much to do with science fiction as Harrison or Sherman does. He actually did something in reality that people had only been able to write about previously; he was the first man to set foot on the surface of a landform that wasn't on this planet. And despite the usual batshit whining from the usual assorted loony-tunes (who deserve a reaction like this in turn), no one can ever take that away from him or his legacy.

(Humorous musical accompaniment provided by Angst circa 1983.)