The first moon landings occurred in 1969, with Apollo 11 being the landmark mission that successfully landed astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the lunar surface on July 20, 1969. This historic event not only fulfilled President John F. Kennedy's goal of landing a man on the Moon before the end of the 1960s but also symbolized a significant achievement in space exploration and technology. The Apollo 11 mission inspired a generation, advanced scientific knowledge, and showcased the United States' technological superiority during the Cold War era. It remains a defining moment in human history and space exploration.