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Buzz Aldrin
1930–present · Astronaut
Buzz Aldrin is an American astronaut and aerospace engineer who served as Apollo 11 lunar module pilot and became the second human to walk on the Moon.
“Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit.”
Why is this scientist famous?
Serving as Apollo 11 lunar module pilot and becoming the second human to walk on the Moon.
Buzz's story
From West Point to MIT
Edwin Eugene Aldrin Jr. — known as Buzz — was born on 20 January 1930 in New Jersey, USA. He received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from the US Military Academy at West Point in 1951.
Aldrin served as a US Air Force fighter pilot during the Korean War and flew 66 combat missions. He then earned a doctorate in astronautics from MIT in 1963. His doctoral work focused on orbital rendezvous.
Gemini XII
Aldrin was selected for NASA's third astronaut group in 1963. He served as pilot of Gemini XII in 1966.
Gemini XII helped demonstrate practical methods for working outside a spacecraft. Aldrin's preparation, use of handholds and footholds, and carefully planned EVA techniques helped address difficulties experienced on earlier Gemini spacewalks. The mission included three EVAs.
Aldrin also had extensive expertise in orbital rendezvous. His doctoral research and NASA work made important contributions to rendezvous techniques, though he did not invent orbital rendezvous. Gemini XII built on the experience of earlier missions and wider NASA training and engineering work.
Apollo 11
In 1969, Aldrin served as lunar module pilot on Apollo 11. He landed on the Moon with Neil Armstrong and became the second human to step onto the lunar surface. Michael Collins remained in lunar orbit aboard the command module Columbia.
Apollo 11 was a three-person crew and a vast team programme. Aldrin received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969.
Aldrin left NASA in 1971. His nickname 'Buzz' later became his legal first name.
What did they discover?
Gemini XII EVA Techniques
Aldrin's Gemini XII mission in 1966 helped demonstrate practical methods for working outside a spacecraft, using handholds, footholds and carefully planned EVA techniques. The mission included three EVAs.
Second Human on the Moon — Apollo 11
In 1969, Aldrin served as Apollo 11 lunar module pilot, landing with Neil Armstrong and becoming the second human to step onto the lunar surface.
Presidential Medal of Freedom, 1969
Aldrin received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 following the Apollo 11 mission.
Amazing facts
His doctoral thesis concerned orbital rendezvous.
He was the first NASA astronaut selected with a doctoral degree.
Gemini XII included three EVAs.
His nickname 'Buzz' later became his legal first name.
He flew 66 combat missions as a US Air Force fighter pilot during the Korean War.
Timeline
Born in New Jersey, USA.
Graduated from West Point with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.
Earned doctorate in astronautics from MIT; selected for NASA's third astronaut group.
Served as pilot of Gemini XII.
Apollo 11 — second human to walk on the Moon.
Left NASA.
