NASA was created during Dwight Eisenhower's administration after the Soviet Union launched their first satellite Sputnik. In 1961 Kennedy supported additional funding for the space program. President Kennedy promoted the exploration of space because he wanted to have a man land on the moon before the decade ended. That year NASA sent the first U.S. astronaut to space and in 1969 NASA sent the first astronaut to walk on the moon.

NASA , in general, is an agency of the U.S. government that plans, and carries out space activities. NASA conducts research and develops methods in aeronautics and space flight. NASA also is in contact and cooperates with the military through the Civilian-Military Liaison Committee. NASA is located at several centers throughout the United States.

Interview: Mr. Robert Celebrano

What were you doing when this happened?

I was 18 and I was watching television in a bowling alley when this happened. Quite a crowd had gathered to watch, but it wasn't like we were jumping with joy. The crowd was very solemn realizing that this was a special moment in history.

What did you feel back then about the moon landing?

We were in a space race back then. Now as I remember, I think that it matters to me more now than it did then. A lot was made out of it, though. History, Science, and Technology coming together. It was a relief, especially when the government wasn't doing so well.

Interview: Mrs. Nadia Makar

How advanced was the technology in the 1960s?

I remember that in the 60s we did not have PCs. We had computers that filled large rooms and you had to punch in cards. Those machines took up a lot of space and were very expensive.

What type of computers were used by NASA?

NASA used IBMs. IBM was at the forefront in technology.

What do think about this great achievement? And the fact that there hasn't been another moon landing in the moon?

It was indeed a great achievement. We looked at it like you people look at the PCs. We were amazed.

I don't believe we should go back to the moon. Our technology is more advanced now that we should set our sights on something new, something like Mars.