Neil Armstrong, the first man to land on the moon, dies at 82
First man on the moon delivered 'a moment of human achievement that will never be forgotten'
US President Barack Obama and astronaut Buzz Aldrin led tributes to the Apollo 11 commander Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, lauding him as a reluctant but true American hero.
Armstrong, who died aged 82 from complications following cardiac bypass surgery, was praised for his willingness to embrace and conquer challenges that once seemed impossible.
"When he and his fellow crew members lifted off aboard Apollo 11 in 1969, they carried with them the aspirations of an entire nation," Obama said.
"When Neil stepped foot on the surface of the moon for the first time, he delivered a moment of human achievement that will never be forgotten."
Aldrin, who with Armstrong was watched by an estimated global television audience of 500 million as they bounced on the moon's surface in their chunky spacesuits, praised his comrade's skill, dedication and selflessness.
"I know I am joined by millions of others in mourning the passing of a true American hero and the best pilot I ever knew," Aldrin said. "I will miss my friend Neil as I know our fellow citizens and people around the world will miss this foremost aviation and space pioneer."
The third Apollo 11 astronaut - Michael Collins, the command module pilot who orbited the moon while his crewmates landed - said Armstrong "was the best, and I will miss him terribly."