Washington, July 16 - Forty years ago, on July 20, 1969, the United States achieved a historic feat when Apollo 11 landed on the moon.

'One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,' were Neil Armstrong's prophetic words that opened the pathway for new medical procedures and 'holistic reinvention' of vehicles.

America's race to the moon also launched a generation of scientists. They were inspired by a sense of patriotism and the wonders of space.

The moon landing fuelled the country's economy and elevated it to a respectable stature. It has produced innovations in health, technology, energy, security, and defence.

'Perhaps more than anything, we need to address the scientific challenge of providing more effective, efficient and diverse sources of energy to drive the global economy, its citizens, and its infrastructure,' said William McDonough, professor of geology at the University of Maryland.

Instead of looking for a single innovation to transform transportation, the next great challenge will be a revolutionary and holistic reinvention of vehicles.