He Joined Nasa’s Astronaut Corps In 1962

For Project Gemini, a potential two-man spacecraft, NASA began accepting applications for the second set of NASA astronauts in April 1962. This time, certified civilian test pilots were eligible for selection. In May 1962, Armstrong paid a visit to the Seattle World's Fair and went to a NASA-sponsored symposium there on space exploration. On June 4, after his return from Seattle, he submitted an application to become an astronaut. Armstrong's application was received approximately a week after the June 1, 1962, deadline, but Dick Day, a flight simulator specialist with whom Armstrong had previously worked closely, noted the delay and tucked it away before anyone noticed. Armstrong completed a medical examination at Brooks Air Force Base at the end of June, which many of the applicants characterized as uncomfortable and occasionally appearing meaningless.

Armstrong was contacted by NASA's Director of Flight Crew Operations, Deke Slayton, on September 13, 1962, and asked whether he would be interested in joining the NASA Astronaut Corps as one of what the media termed "the New Nine." Armstrong answered the phone without hesitation. Although newspaper rumors had been circulating since earlier that year that he would be chosen as the "first civilian astronaut," the picks weren't made public until three days later. Elliot See, another former navy aviator, and Armstrong were the other two civilian pilots chosen for this squad. NASA chose the second group, which was younger and had more academic credentials than the Mercury Seven astronauts. Armstrong was clearly the Astronaut Corps' most seasoned test pilot, according to Collins. That’s all about the third fact about Neil Armstrong.