Privacy Policy  

Welcome to "Ask the White House" -- an online interactive forum where you can submit questions to Administration officials and friends of the White House. Visit the "Ask the White House" archives to read other discussions with White House officials.

Moderator
Thanks to the Apollo 11 crew who joined us today for an abbreviated version of Ask the White House. Due to scheduling issues, we were able to take only a few questions in a very rushed format. We very much appreciate Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins for joining us.

Mendel, from Netherlands writes:
At first my congratulations for what you did 35 years ago. I'm a university student, interested in space traveling a long time. How do you feel about the American initiative to go back to the moon? Did you ever want to go back to the moon in those 35 years, and would you now with the new space initiative, volunteer to go if it was possible?

Neil Armstrong
I am encouraged with the new initiative. I have wanted to return (I left a few things behind). If they offer me a Mars Command, I'll jump at it.

Dave, from Maine writes:
Good morning gentlemen...congratulations on the 35th anniversary of your historic mission. Could you please tell us your thoughts when you first learned that you had been chosen to be the crew for Apollo 11...knowing it would be the first manned mission to the moon?

Thanks for taking my question.

Neil Armstrong
At the time we were assigned to Apollo 11 the lunar module had not yet flown. So there was no way to know that it would be the first lunar landing attempt. We were delighted to be assigned to the flight, whatever the objective would be.

Daniel, from Great Barrington, MA writes:
I am 14 years old and fascinated by space travel. Is it really possible send a human to Mars? In your mind could it work out practicly?

Neil Armstrong
We technically have the ability to send humans to Mars. We still have a number of difficulties to surmount, but I believe we will overcome those barriers in the years ahead.

Melissa, from Alexandria, Virginia writes:
Thirty-five years later, what remains the most memorable moment of your moon landing? Also, what do you believe we can learn from additional research on the moon that will help us most in the future? You're spirit of adventure continue to inspire me. Thank you for all you do.

Michael Collins
Seeing Neil and Buzz come back up from the surface of the moon to rejoin me in the command module Columbia.

Mark, from Pittsburgh PA writes:
When Mr. Collins was orbiting during the Moon walk, how many times actually did he orbit and and how long did each orbit take? And actually how many times did he circle around the Dark side and are there any photographs available that he might have taken? I think the Moon landings are the most awesome events I have ever witnessed in my life, thank you so much to all who made it possible.

Michael Collins
I think each orbit took two hours and I think there were a total of 20, 22 of them.

Dean, from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan writes:
Good Morning Gentlemen,This is an extreme honour to speak with 3 men who have made a huge impact on history. I still remember that day when you walked on the moon. My question is what was it like when those engines started and you knew that your historic journey was about to begin?

Michael Collins
I was nervous that it was going to blow up.

Laura, from Iowa writes:
Dear Apollo 11 Crew, What an honor to have you on the White House web site My question today is very obvious: "What was it like stepping onto the surface of the moon?" I cannot even begin to imagine what it would be like.Thank you for your time.

Sincerely, Laura from Iowa

Michael Collins
I was very happy when Neil and Buzz were walking on the moon and I was even happier when we were walking on the deck of the aircraft carrier.

Wesley, from Connecticut writes:
I was disappointed to hear that on the 35th anniversary of your landing, a Congressional subcommittee took a blow against the new space vision and decided to cut funding to NASA. What are your thoughts on this? What can a 19-year-old do to save the vision?Thank you all for your service to our country.

Michael Collins
I think it is going to Mars.

Dave, from Maine writes:
Good morning gentlemen...congratulations on the 35th anniversary of your historic mission. Could you please tell us your thoughts when you first learned that you had been chosen to be the crew for Apollo 11...knowing it would be the first manned mission to the moon?

Thanks for taking my question.

Michael Collins
I was very happy to be on the crew of the first landing and furthermore I was very happy to be flying with Neil and Buzz.

Kenny, from Montgomery, AL writes:
Did you ever want to go back to the moon?

Michael Collins
No, I haven't wanted to go back to the moon, but I want to go to Mars and I would go instantly if I had the opportunity.