What Did Neil Armstrong do after he retired from NASA?

Beyond the Moon: What Neil Armstrong Really Did After NASA

Neil Armstrong. The name alone conjures up images of that grainy black and white footage, a giant leap, and those famous words uttered on July 20, 1969. He was the first human to walk on the moon, an event that instantly turned him into a global icon. But here’s the thing: all that fame? It wasn’t really his cup of tea. A genuinely modest guy, Armstrong always preferred to shine the spotlight on the entire Apollo 11 team. So, what did this American hero do after hanging up his NASA spacesuit in 1971? Let’s just say, he didn’t exactly kick back and relax.

Back to School (But This Time, as the Teacher)

After leaving NASA, Armstrong surprised many by heading back to the classroom. But not as a student, mind you. He became a professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio, a gig he held from 1971 to 1979. Can you imagine having the Neil Armstrong as your professor? From what I’ve heard, he was a pretty reserved and unassuming teacher. Despite being a global superstar, he preferred a low-key teaching environment. He genuinely seemed to enjoy sharing his knowledge of aeronautics with students, shaping the next generation of engineers.

From Space to the Boardroom: Armstrong’s Business Ventures

Turns out, Armstrong wasn’t just a whiz in space; he also had a good head for business. He understood the importance of technical know-how in the corporate world and served on the boards of several companies. It’s like he knew that his expertise could help these companies reach for the stars, too! Some of the companies he was involved with include:

• Cincinnati Gas & Electric Company (CG&E), later Cinergy (now part of Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky) – he was there for a good long run, from 1973 to 2000.
• Cardwell International Ltd, starting in 1980.
• Computing Technologies for Aviation Inc., where he served as chairman from 1982 to 1992.
• Eaton Corp – another long-term commitment, from 1981 to 1999.
• AIL Systems Inc., later EDO Corporation, where he was chairman until 2002.
• And, if that wasn’t enough, he also lent his expertise to Gates Learjet Corporation, The Fifth Third Bank of Cincinnati, Taft Broadcasting Company, and Marathon Oil Company. Talk about a busy man!

Answering the Call: Service on Commissions and Committees

Armstrong wasn’t just about personal pursuits; he felt a strong sense of duty. He continued to serve his country by lending his expertise to crucial investigations and committees. Remember the Apollo 13 mission that nearly ended in disaster? He was on the accident investigation team, helping to figure out what went wrong. And in 1986, after the tragic Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, he was the vice chairman of the Rogers Commission, digging deep to uncover the causes. He was also part of the National Commission on Space (NCOS), helping to set the course for the future of the U.S. space program.

A Private Man in a Public World

Despite all his achievements, Armstrong was a deeply private person. He wasn’t one for the limelight and actively avoided exploiting his fame. He just wanted to live a normal life, which often meant turning down interviews and public appearances. You have to admire that, right? He could have cashed in on his fame, but he chose to stay true to himself.

The Final Frontier and a Lasting Legacy

Even in his later years, Armstrong never lost his passion for aviation and space exploration. He’d occasionally share his thoughts on spaceflight and even supported the idea of commercial suborbital spaceflight. And, for those of us who grew up glued to the TV, he even hosted a documentary series about aviation called “First Flights” in the early 90s.

Sadly, Neil Armstrong passed away on August 25, 2012, at the age of 82, after complications from heart surgery. But his legacy? It’s so much bigger than that one small step on the moon. He’s remembered as a dedicated public servant, a brilliant engineer, a humble professor, and an inspiration to us all. His commitment to service, his incredible achievements, and his down-to-earth nature will continue to inspire generations to reach for their own stars. And that, my friends, is a legacy worth celebrating.