Second man to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, a pioneering astronaut and advocate for space exploration.
Known affectionately as "Dr. Rendezvous," Buzz Aldrin is an American icon and one of the most renowned astronauts in history, best recognized for being the second person to set foot on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
Born Edwin Eugene Aldrin Jr. on January 20, 1930, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, Aldrin graduated third in his class from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1951.
Aldrin was commissioned into the United States Air Force and served as a jet fighter pilot during the Korean War, flying 66 combat missions and shooting down two MiG-15 aircraft.
After earning a Doctor of Science degree in astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Aldrin was selected as a member of NASA's Astronaut Group 3, making him the first astronaut with a doctoral degree.
Aldrin's first space flight was in 1966 on Gemini 12, during which he spent over five hours on extravehicular activity. Three years later, he set foot on the Moon at 03:15:16 on July 21, 1969 UTC, nineteen minutes after Neil Armstrong first touched the surface, while Michael Collins remained in lunar orbit.
Aldrin became the first person to hold a religious ceremony on the Moon when he privately took communion. His extraordinary achievements earned him numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969.
After leaving NASA in 1971, Aldrin became Commandant of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He retired from the Air Force in 1972 after 21 years of service. Today, he continues to advocate for space exploration and has written two autobiographies, Return to Earth (1973) and Magnificent Desolation (2009), which recount his struggles with clinical depression and alcoholism in the years after leaving NASA.
As the last surviving Apollo 11 crew member, Buzz Aldrin's legacy extends far beyond his extraordinary achievements on the Moon. He has inspired generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers, solidifying his place as an American hero and a pioneer in the realm of space exploration.
Buzz Aldrin's remarkable life and achievements continue to captivate audiences worldwide, cementing his status as a true American icon and a lunar legend.
95 Years Old
First person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, marking a historic milestone in space exploration.
Born in 1890
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American physicist and astronaut who broke barriers as the first woman in space, inspiring generations of women in STEM fields. Founded a company to promote science education and literacy.
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First American in space, commanded Apollo 14 mission, and walked on the Moon.
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American baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1965 to 1975, known for being a four-time All-Star and winning the American League ERA title in 1968.
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The first human to journey into outer space, paving the way for space exploration and inspiring generations to reach for the stars. A hero and a pioneer in the field of cosmonautics.
