Apollo 11 Astronaut Neil Armstrong Recovering From Cardiac Bypass Surgery

Neil Armstrong is recovering from cardiac bypass surgery that he underwent on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012. Photo Credit: NASA

The first man to step foot on the Moon is recovering from cardiac bypass surgery that took place on Tuesday. He is reported to be doing fine. The space flight icon went into the hospital on Monday for a stress test and failed – he was then admitted into the hospital where he had the surgery and is now recuperating.

Surgeons had to bypass four blockages in his coronary arteries. Doctors have reported that they see no problems that could slow his recovery.

Armstrong celebrated his birthday on Aug. 5, just one day before his visit to the hospital.

“NASA wishes Neil Armstrong the very best for a quick recovery from surgery,” said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. “Neil’s pioneering spirit will surely serve him well in this challenging time and the entire NASA Family is holding the Armstrong family in our thoughts and prayers. I know countless well-wishers around the world join us in sending get well wishes to this true American hero.”

Although Armstrong made history on July 20, 1969 when he walked on the Moon, he had flown in space before. On Gemini 8 in 1966 he and Dave Scott successfully docked with the Agena docking vehicle He also flew to the edge of space during his time with NASA’s X-15 program.

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One Comment

  1. God’s speed to a complete recovery Neil Armstrong. May you have many more healthy, happy, and productive years. We are never to old to have heroes, and you certainly are one of mine. If there was ever a time when America needed someone who exemplifies the best and the brightest amongst us, it is now.

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