Fifty-five years ago today, the historic Moon landing of Apollo 11 sparked a passion for space within me that has lasted a lifetime. As an 11-year-old in Iran, I was captivated by watching the grainy black-and-white images on my neighbor's television. This transformative moment, which united the world, deeply inspired me and set me on a career path of exploration and innovation that has spanned four decades.
Today, I'm proud to help lead organizations like Axiom Space, Intuitive Machines, X-energy, Quantum Space, and Limitless Space Institute. Each is at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of technology. My entrepreneurial journey, inspired by Apollo 11, is dedicated to encouraging and benefiting future generations, just as NASA and America's space accomplishments inspired me.
The legacy of Apollo 11 is a testament to the power of collective effort. The crew's decision to omit their names from the mission patch was a humble acknowledgment of the thousands of men and women who contributed to the mission. As astronaut Michael Collins eloquently put it, "We wanted to keep our three names off it because there were thousands who could take a proprietary interest in it, yet who would never see their names woven into the fabric of a patch." This act of humble leadership serves as a powerful reminder that great achievements are the result of teamwork. As we mark this Apollo 11 mission's milestone, I am filled with gratitude for those who paved the way for the future of humanity's journey of exploration and discovery.
The Apollo 11 Mission's 55th Anniversary Is a Tribute to American Leadership