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Apollo 11 astronauts look beyond moon, toward Mars

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-07-20 10:43

WASHINGTON: The astronauts who first landed on the moon aren't dwelling on their small lunar steps. Instead, two of them are urging mankind to take a giant leap to Mars.

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In one of their few joint public appearances, the crew of Apollo 11 spoke on the eve of the 40th anniversary of man's first moon landing.

First man on the moon Neil Armstrong discussed Apollo 11 for about 11 seconds.

Second man on the moon Buzz Aldrin said the best way to honor the Apollo 11 crew would be to follow in their footsteps and aim for Mars. Apollo 11 command module pilot Michael Collins said the moon was not interesting, but Mars is.

All three were part of an event Sunday night at the Smithsonian Institute's National Air and Space Museum.