Neil Armstrong didn't "explore" the moon in the sense of wandering around on his own. He was part of a massive, complex project called the Apollo program, which was the culmination of years of research, development, and testing, all aimed at landing humans on the moon.

Here's why the Apollo program, and therefore Neil Armstrong, went to the moon:

* The Cold War: The space race between the United States and the Soviet Union was a major driver. The USSR had achieved several early successes, like launching the first satellite (Sputnik) and the first man in space (Yuri Gagarin). The US needed to prove its technological superiority.

* Scientific ambition: The moon was a frontier ripe for exploration. Scientists were eager to study lunar rocks, its atmosphere, and its gravitational field to learn more about the solar system's formation and the Earth's origins.

* National prestige: Landing on the moon was a massive achievement, and a powerful symbol of American ingenuity and leadership. It boosted national morale and international standing.

* Technological advancements: The Apollo program spurred incredible advancements in rocketry, navigation, life support, and other technologies that benefited society in numerous ways.

Neil Armstrong, as a highly skilled test pilot and astronaut, was chosen for this historic mission due to his expertise and calm demeanor under pressure. He was the right person for the job, but the reason he went to the moon wasn't just his own personal ambition. It was part of a much larger, collective effort driven by multiple factors.