First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong" by James Hansen (2018)

 First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong" by James Hansen is an in-depth biography of the first man to walk on the Moon. The book delves into Armstrong's personal, professional, and psychological life, from his childhood in Ohio to his retirement from public life. It highlights his early passion for aviation, his service in the Korean War, and how these experiences shaped his introverted and precise character. His NASA career, culminating in the Apollo 11 landing, reveals how he handled the pressure and global media attention. Critical moments include the loss of his daughter Karen and the Moon landing, where he displayed remarkable calm under extreme circumstances. Anecdotally, Armstrong maintained an enigmatic humility, never focusing on his fame.

 

The highlights of this book:

1. Armstrong's Reserved Nature: Throughout his life, Neil Armstrong was known for his introverted personality and reluctance to seek public attention. The biography shows how this trait influenced his calm, meticulous approach to challenges both in his career and personal life.

2. Pre-Moon Landing Career: Before joining NASA’s space program, Armstrong was an elite test pilot, flying experimental aircraft like the X-15. His experience in handling extreme risks was crucial to his selection as an astronaut.

3. Gemini 8 Incident: During the 1966 Gemini 8 mission, Armstrong and his crewmate David Scott faced an emergency when their spacecraft began to spin out of control. Armstrong’s calm demeanor and skill helped stabilize the craft, allowing them to return safely to Earth. This foreshadowed his composure during the Apollo 11 mission.

4. Leadership on Apollo 11: While the 1969 Moon landing is the centerpiece of the biography, Hansen delves into Armstrong’s quiet leadership and engineering mindset. His ability to handle uncertainty and manage risks is a central theme.

5. Personal Impact of the Moon Landing: After the historic landing, Armstrong was thrust into worldwide fame, which he found uncomfortable. The book explores how he distanced himself from the spotlight, focusing on teaching engineering and pursuing personal interests.

Some
Reflections:

• The Nature of Heroism: Armstrong never saw himself as a hero, which contrasts with the public’s view. This opens a discussion on what true heroism means—humility and silent dedication to one’s work.

• The Evolution of the Space Race: The biography places the Apollo 11 achievement within the context of the Cold War, emphasizing how Armstrong’s mission was not just an individual accomplishment but part of humanity’s collective effort to explore the unknown.

• The Personal Cost of Success: Hansen reflects on Armstrong’s personal sacrifices, particularly the death of his young daughter Karen to a brain tumor, an event that deeply marked his life.

Curiosities:

• First Flight in a Balloon at Age 6: Armstrong’s fascination with flying began early when he flew in a hot air balloon at the age of six, igniting his passion for aviation.

• The “Leprechauns” Joke: Armstrong, known for his dry humor, once joked to reporters that he expected to see leprechauns on the Moon, subtly mocking sensationalist speculation by the media.

• The Famous Quote Debate: His iconic quote, "That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind," reflects his humility. The omission of the word "a" has been debated for years, adding to the intrigue.

• Life After Apollo 11: Unlike some of his astronaut peers, Armstrong did not exploit his fame. He chose a more reserved life as an engineering professor at the University of Cincinnati.

• Passion for Corn Farming: Armstrong developed a deep interest in farming and spent considerable time growing corn on his Ohio farm after retiring from NASA.

Anecdotes:

The LLRV (Lunar Landing Research Vehicle) Crash: During a test flight, Armstrong had to eject from the lunar landing simulator when it malfunctioned. He emerged unscathed, showcasing the high risks involved in pre-Moon landing training.

The Japanese Student Gift: On a visit to Japan, students presented Armstrong with a traditional doll as a token of their admiration. Though grateful, Armstrong, uncomfortable with attention, sent a heartfelt thank-you note afterward.

His Reaction to Moon Landing Conspiracies: Armstrong rarely commented on Moon landing conspiracy theories, showing his steadfast belief in science and patience with public skepticism.

 

Five Impactful Quotes:

On the Moon Landing: "I was elated, ecstatic and extremely surprised that we were successful."

On Life in Space: "The single thing which makes any man happiest is the fulfillment of his duty. For me, it was flying to the Moon and back."

Reflecting on His Role in History: "I suppose we all like to be recognized not for one piece of fireworks, but for the ledger of our daily work."

On Humility in His Achievement: "It’s a feeling that human history is so immense that it cannot be touched by any one individual." 

On the Future of Space Exploration: "We are explorers, and the next frontier is on Mars. It’s only a matter of time before we are there."

The book reveals Neil Armstrong as a more complex figure than often portrayed: a precise engineer, a daring pilot, and a reluctant public figure, deeply aware of his place in history but unwilling to bask in the spotlight.

 

 

Carrying the Fire: An Astronaut's Journeys (1974)

Carrying the Fire: An Astronaut's Journeys (1974) is one of the most notable memoirs written by an astronaut. Michael Collins, the command module pilot of Apollo 11, offers an introspective and honest account of his experiences at NASA, the historic lunar landing, and the emotional and physical challenges of space travel. Unlike other astronauts who focused more on technical or heroic aspects, Collins delves into the human and philosophical dimensions of his mission.

The highlights of this book:

1. Solitude in Space: Michael Collins spent much of the Apollo 11 mission completely alone in the command module "Columbia" while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the Moon. One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is how Collins reflects on this solitude. He describes how, while orbiting the Moon, he was farther from any human being than anyone in history. Collins accepted this with calmness, experiencing not anxiety, but a sense of peace and responsibility toward the mission.

2. A Technical Yet Accessible Perspective: Collins combines detailed descriptions of the technology and procedures of space missions with a writing style that is accessible to non-experts. He explains the workings of spacecraft, the difficulties of training, and the physical and psychological challenges of being in space. For readers seeking a technical understanding of space exploration without overwhelming jargon, Carrying the Fire is an ideal work.

3. The Crucial Role of Command Module Pilots: While most attention is given to the astronauts who walked on the Moon, Collins emphasizes the importance of the command module pilot's role, often undervalued. His task was vital to the mission’s success: ensuring that "Columbia" remained in lunar orbit, operating optimally, and was ready to rendezvous with the astronauts returning from the lunar surface. Collins highlights how this job required precision, attention to detail, and advanced technical skills.

4. The Importance of Teamwork: Although Collins spent time in isolation during the Apollo 11 mission, he emphasizes the value of teamwork. He, Armstrong, Aldrin, and the teams on Earth worked in perfect coordination. Collins stresses that the mission was the result of the collective efforts of thousands of people at NASA and other organizations, from engineers and scientists to technicians and support staff. This focus on collaboration and interdependence is a valuable lesson for any field.

5. A Philosophical Perspective on Space Exploration: Throughout the book, Collins questions what space exploration means for humanity. He reflects on the vast emptiness of space and humanity’s smallness within it. These meditations give the book unusual depth for astronaut memoirs, making it both philosophical and autobiographical. Collins ponders what the ability to reach and explore new worlds implies for the future of humanity, doing so with a contemplative and humble tone.

Some Reflections:

The Psychological Challenge of Solitude and Pressure: Although Collins did not land on the Moon, his role was crucial. One unique challenge he faced was extreme solitude during the mission, combined with the pressure of ensuring the successful reunion of the lunar and command modules. Carrying the Fire explores the psychological implications of this experience, emphasizing how Collins maintained composure and confidence despite being the “forgotten man” of the mission. For him, this solitude was an opportunity for reflection and self-discovery.

Humility in the Face of Greatness: Collins stands out for his modesty. Throughout the book, he never seeks to glorify his own achievements. Instead, he presents himself as a small part of a much larger effort: the collective work of NASA. This humility, despite being part of such a monumental achievement, serves as an important lesson about the role of the individual in collaborative projects that can change the course of history.

Humanity in the Age of Technology: Despite the astonishing technology that took man to the Moon, Collins focuses on the human emotions, fears, and reflections behind the mission. This balance between the technical and the personal offers a richer, more complex view of the space race, reminding readers that behind every technological achievement are human beings making it possible.

The Future of Space Exploration: Although Carrying the Fire was written in the 1970s, Collins anticipates questions that remain relevant today. He reflects on the value and purpose of long-term space exploration: Why should we continue to invest in pushing further into space? What does that say about human nature? These philosophical questions invite readers to consider humanity’s place in the universe and its drive to explore the unknown.

Interesting Facts from the Book:

The Astronaut Who Disliked Stardom: Unlike many of his fellow astronauts, Collins did not enjoy public attention or the limelight. After the Apollo 11 mission, he actively avoided roles where he would have to act as a public figure. Instead, he leaned toward administrative positions and even considered not writing a book, until he eventually decided to tell his story honestly and authentically.

Collins Turned Down the Opportunity to Walk on the Moon: Although he was part of the Apollo 11 crew, Collins had previously been selected for a potential mission that would land on the Moon. However, he gave up this opportunity by accepting the role of command module pilot in the historic mission, showing his commitment to the success of the mission as a whole, rather than his personal ambition to leave a footprint on the lunar surface.

A Literary Standout Among Astronauts: Collins is one of the few astronauts whose memoirs are praised not only for their historical content but also for their literary quality. His ability to write with depth, humor, and sincerity sets him apart from other accounts. Many critics and readers consider Carrying the Fire one of the best memoirs ever written by an astronaut.

 

In summary, Carrying the Fire is much more than a technical chronicle of a historic mission; it is a testament to human exploration and the role of the individual within monumental achievements. Collins offers a unique perspective, combining technical insight, humanity, and philosophical reflection in a deeply personal work.