Buzz Aldrin
The second man to walk on the Moon, a pioneer of orbital rendezvous, and a lifelong advocate for Mars exploration.
Buzz Aldrin (born Edwin Eugene Aldrin Jr.; January 20, 1930) is an American former astronaut, aeronautical engineer, and fighter pilot. He was the second person to walk on the Moon after mission commander Neil Armstrong. He performed one spacewalk as pilot of NASA’s 1966 Gemini 12 mission, and was the Lunar Module Eagle pilot on the 1969 Apollo 11 mission. Following the deaths of Armstrong in 2012 and pilot Michael Collins in 2021, Aldrin is the last surviving Apollo 11 crew member, and the oldest living astronaut.
Quick Facts
- Birth name
- Edwin Eugene Aldrin Jr.
- Born
- 20 January 1930
- Birthplace
- Glen Ridge, New Jersey, U.S.
- Other names
- Dr. Rendezvous
- Children
- 3
- Education
- United States Military Academy (BS); Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MS, ScD)
- Rank
- Brigadier General, USAF
- Selection
- NASA Group 3 (1963)
Lore & Background
Born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, Aldrin graduated third in the class of 1951 from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a degree in mechanical engineering. He 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 fighter jets. After earning a Doctor of Science degree in astronautics from MIT, he was selected as a member of NASA's Astronaut Group 3, making him the first astronaut with a doctoral degree. His doctoral thesis, Line-of-Sight Guidance Techniques for Manned Orbital Rendezvous, earned him the nickname "Dr. Rendezvous" from fellow astronauts. His first space flight was in 1966 on Gemini 12, during which he spent over five hours on a single extravehicular activity. Three years later, Aldrin set foot on the Moon at 03:15:16 on July 21, 1969 (UTC), nineteen minutes after Armstrong first touched the surface, while command module pilot Michael Collins remained in lunar orbit. A Presbyterian elder, Aldrin became the first person to hold a religious ceremony on the Moon, when he privately took communion, which was the first food and liquid to be consumed there.
Reader's Guide
Buzz Aldrin was born Edwin Eugene Aldrin Jr. on January 20, 1930, at Mountainside Hospital in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. His nickname, which became his legal first name in 1988, arose from his sister Fay's mispronouncing "brother" as "buzzer," then shortened to "Buzz." He was a Boy Scout, achieving the rank of Tenderfoot Scout. Aldrin did well in school, maintaining an A average, and played football as the starting center for Montclair High School's undefeated 1946 state champion team. He entered West Point in 1947, finishing first in his class his plebe year, and graduated third in the class of 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. In the Air Force, he flew 66 combat missions in F-86 Sabres during the Korean War, shooting down two MiG-15 aircraft. His first aerial victory was on May 14, 1953, and his second on June 4, 1953. For his service, he was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and three Air Medals. He earned a Sc.D. in astronautics from MIT in January 1963, and his doctoral thesis was dedicated to the crew members of the country's present and future manned space programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Buzz Aldrin in the series?
He is depicted as an American aeronautical engineer and former NASA astronaut who played a critical role in early lunar exploration. His character represents the historical legacy of the Apollo program within this alternate timeline.
What was his specific mission role?
Aldrin served as the Lunar Module Eagle pilot during the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, making him the second person to walk on the Moon. He also completed three spacewalks during the earlier Gemini 12 flight.
How does his story conclude in this timeline?
Following the passing of his Apollo 11 crewmates, he remains the last surviving member of that historic team within the narrative. He continues to live as the oldest living astronaut while supporting space advocacy efforts.
Who did he fly with on major missions?
He flew alongside mission commander Neil Armstrong and pilot Michael Collins during their shared Gemini and Apollo assignments. Their partnership established the foundation for America's success in the space race.
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