The United States landed astronauts on the Moon on July 20, 1969, during the Apollo 11 mission. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first and second humans to walk on the lunar surface, while Michael Collins piloted the command module orbiting above. Armstrong's famous words, "That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind," marked the historic moment. This achievement was a significant milestone in the Space Race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union and showcased American technological prowess. The Apollo program aimed not only to explore lunar terrain but also to demonstrate the capabilities of space exploration during the Cold War era.