juliokirk

Dr. Aldrin, first of all, thanks. All my life I have been fascinated by space, and the fact that we, humans, landed on the moon. Even when I was growing up and couldn't quite understand how we did that, I never doubted. And I am proud, not as an american, because I am not one, but as human. The power and importance of the events you were part of, Dr. Aldrin, are not limited by borders and cultural differences. Apollo 11 was, indeed, "one giant leap for mankind".

Astronauts like yourself, Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Collins are some of the few people I'd call heroes. And I love reddit for giving the chance of saying this to one of these heroes.

My question: I've read that cosmonauts in the Soviet Union were tracking the progress of Apollo 11, and that they celebrated when Mr. Armstrong and you stepped off the LM. Do you have any knowledge of this?

Edit: Dr. Aldrin.

So, what I've read is that cosmonauts gathered that day and heard transmissions from the mission and were very happy for their American colleagues. I really hope that's true. All together for science and progress, despite political differences...

Edit: IT IS TRUE. I wish Buzz was still here, he probably doesn't know about it too.

[The moon landind] was a bittersweet moment for the cosmonauts, but one they celebrated with joy and vodka, saluting the historic achievement of their American colleagues. That day, Yeliseyev says, it became clear that the United States had achieved superiority in space.

Thanks mate :)