Today the scientific community, as well as the world mourn the loss of one of the greatest pioneers of our time. The first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, has passed away this morning at the age of 82. According to the family, the cause of death was attributed to “complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures.”

Neil was part of the US’ space race against other countries, such as Russia, which launched the first unmanned satellite into orbit. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy declared that an American man would set foot on the moon by the end of the decade. The three man crew of the Apollo 11 spacecraft, reached the moon in 1969, making the first human mark on lunar soil. Neil’s famous words from the moon still echo in our hearts to this day: “That’s one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.” These words were as true then as they are today.

Neil is survived by his wife, Carol Knight, his two sons, Eric and Mark, his two stepchildren, two siblings, and 10 grandchildren. Neil Armstrong is one of the most prominent members of our generation, and a shining light for all who come after him. Neil, you will be missed as we press forward into the heavens, following in your famous footsteps.