In 1969, Apollo 11 astronauts, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, headed to the Moon without a traditional life insurance policy. The three astronauts were preparing for a mission that involved risks that had not been tested on a human lunar landing before. Traditional insurance was not an option for the astronauts because spaceflight was considered too risky. NASA also did not provide life insurance to its employees during the early years of the space programme. Private insurance could cost several times more than an astronaut's salary. The crew therefore found another way to help their families financially if they did not return.
