Simran Patel
Professor Merrill
English 1010
13 November 2014
The Flight of Glory In the midst of the Cold War, President John Kennedy said, “I believe this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal… of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth.” And on July 20, 1969, almost eight years later, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin became the first humans ever to land on the moon. Due to the heavy influence the Apollo 11 mission had, not only on the world, but also on mankind, the year it was finally accomplished is the most important year of life The Apollo 11 mission was so significant in history because it resulted in the United States winning the Cold War. America partook in the Cold War mainly to prevent the spread of communism post World War II. At the time Kennedy proposed the Apollo mission to the nation, the United States was trailing the Soviet Union in space developments during the Cold War. The USSR had launched Sputnik, the first satellite, and successfully sent a man into space. In turn, America quickly created the Apollo program to prevent the Soviets from winning the Space Race. Through great wealth, technical skill, and determination, America soon landed their men on the moon. The Soviets, however, experienced a series of failures in its attempt to send its own men to the moon. The triumph of the Apollo program ended Soviet leadership in space exploration and dominance in heavy rocket launching technology for they were not able to match the large-scale efforts of America. (Dunbar, 2008) After the success of Apollo 11, the United States had clearly won the Space Race. This not only led America to win the Cold War, but also made America the new leader of the world. Winning the Cold War led to the collapse of communism and gave America a platform to the spread democracy and freedom worldwide. The Apollo 11 mission was also significant because it gave way to a number of different technological advancements. After the 1967 Apollo fire, NASA needed a way to protect astronauts and their vessels. Together, with the Monsanto Company, they developed a chemically treated fabric called Durette that does not burn and developed a lightweight breathing system. (Otto) These innovations were incorporated into firefighter’s outfits. This allowed them to save even more lives without jeopardizing their own, making their job easier and safer. NASA also created a renewable energy source that can be used on Earth and in space by creating solar panels. Solar panels collect electricity by absorbing light when it strikes the surface and transfers it to a semiconductor. They not only allow for more power, but also create less pollution, allowing for a cleaner environment for future generations. The Apollo-based technologies also launched major medical breakthroughs on Earth. For example, the AID implantable automatic pulse generator, the pacemaker, and the kidney dialysis machine were all developed through the use of Apollo technology. (Dunbar, 2004) These medical innovations saved a countless number of lives, and have led the way for even more medical breakthroughs, revolutionizing the field of medicine forever.
The Apollo mission also allowed people to view the world in a new perspective. During the Apollo mission, the crew focused a portable television camera on Earth, and for the first time in history, humanity saw its home from afar. Sending a man to the moon had seemed like an impossible task. However, after the impossible became possible, and Americans saw their planet Earth from millions of miles away, they were inspired to further expand their capabilities. Americans began looking beyond the limits of their early existence. No other nation, other than America, had stepped foot on the moon, and NASA sought to continue this tradition. In 2011, NASA launched the Mar’s rover to search areas of Mars conditions favorable for living, and conditions capable of preserving a record for life. (Howell) Stumbling on any life form on Mars could forever change the way we live. Interacting with other life forms could lead to great things, or could potentially ruin us. Despite what may come, the Apollo mission was the stepping-stone for this mission, and for any other missions NASA decides to embark in in the future. It inspired people to make Earth a borderless world. Some may argue that the Apollo 11 mission was created solely to beat the Soviets in the Space Race. Thus, it was an achievement stemming out of hatred and distrust. However, after the end of the Cold War, Americans and Russians have worked hand in hand in expanding space exploration and making more scientific discoveries. Americans astronauts also planted five flags on the moon, one being the flag of the Soviet Union, in respect for the other nations that were superpowers during the time. This shows that America held no animosity towards the USSR after the end of the Cold War. Exploration of the solar system and the universe as a whole still remains a goal for humanity. The Apollo 11 mission has brought the world one step closer to achieving this goal.

Works Cited
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Howell, Elizabeth. "Mars Curiosity: Facts and Information." Space.com. SPACE.com, 13 Mar.
2013. Web. 12 Nov. 2014.
Otto, Sasjkia. "Apollo 11 Moon Landing: Top 15 Nasa Inventions." The Telegraph. Telegraph
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