Buzz Aldrin

astronaut · moon landing · space explorer · Apollo 11

Second on the Moon. On July 20, 1969, Buzz Aldrin became only the second human being to set foot on the Moon, just after mission commander Neil Armstrong. He spent about 2.5 hours exploring the lunar surface and conducting experiments.

Fighter pilot first. Before becoming an astronaut, Buzz was a skilled fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force who flew combat missions. This training helped prepare him for the demanding work of space exploration.

Spacewalk expert. In 1966, Buzz flew on the Gemini 12 mission as a pilot and performed three spacewalks, meaning he floated in space outside his spacecraft while tethered by a cord. This practice was crucial for learning how to work safely in space.

Engineer and inventor. Buzz studied aeronautical engineering and designed special tools and techniques for spacewalking that made it much safer for astronauts. His knowledge of engineering helped solve real problems in space missions.

Living space legend. As of 2025, Buzz Aldrin is the last surviving member of the Apollo 11 crew and the oldest living astronaut in the world, keeping the memory of early space exploration alive.