The Space Race:
Cronkite was also known for his enthusiastic coverage of the U.S. space program. From the early Mercury missions through the Apollo program, Cronkite brought the excitement and wonder of space exploration into American homes. His coverage helped generate public support for the space program and made complex scientific concepts accessible to the average viewer.
Cronkite's most famous space coverage came during the Apollo 11 mission in July 1969, which saw humans land on the moon for the first time. As Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface, Cronkite, overcome with emotion and awe, simply said, "Oh, boy," a reaction that captured the sentiment of millions of viewers around the world.