Buzz Aldrin

Buzz Aldrin is an American astronaut. He was born Edwin Eugene Aldrin Jr. in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, in 1930. He was the second person to walk on the Moon in 1969. He walked on the lunar surface alongside Neil Armstrong.

Early Life

Aldrin's mother's maiden name was Moon, which seems like fate. He was a fighter pilot in the Korean War. He earned a doctorate from MIT in astronautics. He was chosen as a NASA astronaut in 1963.

Big Achievements

Aldrin piloted the lunar module on Apollo 11. On July 20, 1969, he and Neil Armstrong became the first humans to walk on the Moon. Aldrin spent about two hours on the lunar surface. After leaving NASA, he became an advocate for space exploration and missions to Mars.

Fun Facts

• Aldrin's mother's maiden name was Moon.
• He got the nickname Buzz from his sister, who called him buzzer instead of brother.
• He legally changed his first name to Buzz.

Did You Know?

Aldrin has spent decades promoting a mission to Mars. He believes humans should establish a permanent settlement on Mars. At over 90 years old, he continues to inspire people to dream about exploring space.