THE Swindon-based UK Space Agency wants residents to share their memories of the moon landing 50 years on from that historic moment.

The campaign will explore how the moon landings inspired people and influenced popular culture. A selection of submissions to the crowd-sourced history campaign will be shared with the public on July 20, half a century to the day since Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin touched down on the lunar surface.

ESA astronaut Tim Peake said: "The moon landing was not just a pivotal moment in space exploration, but a defining moment for humanity. Whether you were too young to witness the first footsteps on the moon, or old enough to see it for yourself, the moon landing has inspired so many people over the past 50 years. I hope that this campaign from the Arts & Humanities Research Council and UK Space Agency will not only help people to reflect on the historic and cultural significance of this anniversary but also inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and astronauts.”

Head of space exploration Sue Horne said: “As a young child I was, like millions of people around the world, fascinated watching the Apollo 11 moon landing. I remember our headmistress, who disapproved of television, insisted that the school television was on at lunchtime so we could watch the latest news on this historic event.

“The moon landing was an inspiration to me and it’s exciting to think that young people today will be part of the next chapter of lunar exploration, with the UK playing an important role."

“I am looking forward to sharing in people’s memories of this iconic moment in space exploration and hearing how those small steps are still having a huge impact 50 years on.”

Science Minister Chris Skidmore said: "Ahead of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, I hope people across the UK share their moon memories, ranging from photos to diary entries, to help give us a unique and fascinating insight into one of the most celebrated moments in our history. Landing on the moon was unthinkable at the beginning of the twentieth century, so when Neil Armstrong heralded the moment as, one giant leap for mankind, those words rightly have echoed through the ages."

“Through our modern Industrial Strategy, we are backing the UK’s thriving space sector so that the young people inspired by this great event of the past will have opportunities to work in the industry’s highly skilled, well-paid jobs of the future.”

The campaign is being organised in partnership with the Arts & Humanities Research Council.

Leadership fellow for science in culture at AHRC Professor Barry Smith said: "When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon for the first time, the world stopped to watch this history defining moment. It pushed the boundaries of human possibility and led to an incredible explosion in creativity.

“To mark the fiftieth anniversary we want to hear people’s memories of seeing the footage for the first time, but also what the moon landings meant to them. From a love of space movies to pursuing a career in astronomy, this crowd-sourced history campaign will reflect on this moment’s undeniable role in shaping the world we live in today.”

Submit personal stories via moonlandingmemories.com before Tuesday June 18 and share them on social media using #moonmemories.