Who is known as the first person to walk on the moon?

Neil Armstrong is recognized as the first person to walk on the moon, achieving this historic milestone on July 20, 1969, during the Apollo 11 mission. As the mission commander, he famously declared, "That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind," as he stepped onto the lunar surface. This accomplishment not only marked a significant achievement in space exploration but also served as a pivotal moment during the Space Race, showcasing the capabilities of NASA and the United States in space exploration.

In the context of the other individuals listed, Buzz Aldrin was the second person to walk on the moon during the same mission, Yuri Gagarin was the first human in space but did not land on the moon, and Michael Collins was the command module pilot for Apollo 11, orbiting the moon while Armstrong and Aldrin explored the surface. Thus, Armstrong's role as the first moonwalker is a defining part of his legacy in aerospace history.