Buzz Aldrin
B- Birthday
- January 20, 1930
- Age
- 96
- Height
- 0'0" (0 cm)
- Net Worth
- $14M
About
Buzz Aldrin is an American former astronaut, aeronautical engineer, and fighter pilot, renowned for his pivotal role in space exploration. As the Lunar Module Eagle pilot on the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, he became the second person to walk on the Moon, following Neil Armstrong. Aldrin also completed three spacewalks as pilot of the Gemini 12 mission in 1966. He is the last surviving member of the Apollo 11 crew, after the deaths of Armstrong and Michael Collins.
Career Timeline
Selected as NASA Astronaut
Selected as part of NASA's third group of astronauts after earning a doctorate in astronautics from MIT. His military salary and academic credentials positioned him for space exploration, though astronauts earned modest government salaries.
Gemini 12 Mission Success
Piloted Gemini 12, the final Gemini mission, successfully demonstrating extravehicular activity techniques crucial for future lunar missions. His record 5.5-hour spacewalk proved EVA was viable and established him as a key Apollo candidate.
Apollo 11 Moon Landing
Became the second human to walk on the Moon during Apollo 11, instantly becoming one of the most famous people on Earth. The historic mission made him a global icon, though astronauts received relatively modest compensation and had limited ability to monetize their fame initially.
Retirement from NASA Depression
Retired from NASA and the Air Force, struggling with depression and alcoholism after the intense fame and lack of clear purpose post-Apollo. His public struggles with mental health and addiction temporarily diminished his public standing.
Recovery and Advocacy Work
After overcoming addiction, Aldrin became a prominent advocate for space exploration and began monetizing his legacy through speaking engagements and books. His autobiography and advocacy work rehabilitated his public image and provided steady income.
Pop Culture Icon Status
Embraced his status as a living legend, appearing in The Simpsons, 30 Rock, and other pop culture touchstones. His willingness to engage with popular media and self-deprecating humor made him beloved by new generations.
Apollo 11 50th Anniversary
The 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 brought renewed attention and lucrative speaking engagements, book deals, and media appearances. As the last surviving Apollo 11 crew member after Michael Collins' death in 2021, his unique status increased his cultural value.
Living Space Legend at 96
At age 96, Buzz Aldrin remains the last surviving Apollo 11 crew member and one of only a handful of moonwalkers still alive. While universally respected and well-known to older generations, he's more of a historical figure than a current cultural force, commanding respect but no longer dominating headlines.
