Switching to Manual
The first thing to do was get the lunar module into an elliptical orbit to bring them as close to the surface as possible (50,000 feet). Then, they used the engine of the Eagle to start a controlled descent. At about 500 feet, Armstrong switched to manual control.
An Immortal Message
Finally, the lunar module landed. This was announced by Armstrong in the immortal message, “Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.” Originally, the flight plan showed a four-hour break before the men left the capsule. However, they were ready almost immediately.