Buzz Aldrin

Edwin Eugene Aldrin Jr., known as Buzz Aldrin, was born on January 20, 1930, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. He graduated third in his class from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1951 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Following this, he joined the United States Air Force, serving as a jet fighter pilot during the Korean War, where he flew 66 combat missions and shot down two MiG-15 fighter jets. After his military service, Aldrin pursued advanced education, earning a Doctor of Science degree in astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His doctoral thesis on orbital rendezvous techniques earned him the nickname “Dr. Rendezvous” among his peers. This academic background and extensive flight experience prepared him for a distinguished career with NASA.

Aldrin was selected as a member of NASA’s Astronaut Group 3 in 1963, becoming the first astronaut with a doctoral degree. His first spaceflight was in 1966 as the pilot of Gemini 12, during which he performed three spacewalks, totaling over five hours of extravehicular activity (EVA). This mission significantly advanced NASA’s understanding of EVA capabilities, improving techniques and equipment for future space missions. Three years later, in July 1969, Aldrin made history as the Lunar Module Eagle pilot on the Apollo 11 mission. He became the second person to walk on the Moon, following mission commander Neil Armstrong, cementing his place in global history. During his time on the lunar surface, Aldrin conducted the first religious ceremony on the Moon and assisted in deploying scientific instruments.

After leaving NASA in 1971, Aldrin pursued a variety of roles, including Commandant of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He retired from the Air Force in 1972 after 21 years of service. Post-NASA, Aldrin has remained a prominent figure in space advocacy, proposing solutions like the “Aldrin cycler” trajectory for efficient Mars travel. He has authored several books, including his autobiographies “Return to Earth” (1973) and “Magnificent Desolation” (2009), which chronicle his experiences, including his struggles with depression and alcoholism after his pioneering space career. Aldrin continues to advocate for human missions to Mars and promotes space education through various initiatives and foundations, including the Aldrin Family Foundation.