As long as there are history books, Neil Armstrong will be in them: NASA

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden has given a statement regarding the death of NASA astronaut and first man to walk the moon Neil Armstrong.

The former test pilot died at the age of 82 following complications from heart-bypass surgery, which he underwent earlier this month.

“On behalf of the entire NASA family, I would like to express my deepest condolences to Carol and the rest of Armstrong family on the passing of Neil Armstrong. As long as there are history books, Neil Armstrong will be included in them, remembered for taking humankind’s first small step on a world beyond our own,” Bolden said.

“Besides being one of America’s greatest explorers, Neil carried himself with a grace and humility that was an example to us all. When President Kennedy challenged the nation to send a human to the moon, Neil Armstrong accepted without reservation.

“As we enter this next era of space exploration, we do so standing on the shoulders of Neil Armstrong. We mourn the passing of a friend, fellow astronaut and true American hero,” he added.