The first manned moon landing occurred on July 20, 1969, during NASA's Apollo 11 mission. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first and second humans to set foot on the lunar surface, while Michael Collins orbited the Moon in the command module. Armstrong's famous words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," marked this monumental achievement in space exploration. The event not only showcased technological advancement but also represented a significant moment in the Cold War-era space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, inspiring generations to come.