Buzz Aldrin is a celebrated figure in American history, best known for his role as the lunar module pilot on the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. This mission marked a pivotal moment in human history as Aldrin became the second person, following mission commander Neil Armstrong, to walk on the moon. Prior to this historic achievement, he piloted the Gemini 12 mission in 1966, during which he completed three spacewalks. Beyond his accomplishments as an astronaut, Aldrin also boasts careers as an engineer and fighter pilot.
1922: End of Buzz Aldrin's Father's Tenure
Buzz Aldrin's father concluded his role as the assistant commandant of the Army's test pilot school in 1922.
1928: Buzz Aldrin's Father Joins Standard Oil
After leaving the Army in 1928, Buzz Aldrin's father started working as an executive at Standard Oil.
January 20, 1930: Birth of Buzz Aldrin
Buzz Aldrin was born on January 20, 1930, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey.
1946: Attends Severn School
Buzz Aldrin attended Severn School, a preparatory school for the Naval Academy, in 1946.
1947: Enters West Point
Buzz Aldrin began his studies at the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1947.
1947: U.S. Air Force Becomes Separate Service
The U.S. Air Force was established as a separate branch of the military in 1947.
1950: Trip to Japan and the Philippines
In 1950, Aldrin went on a trip to Japan and the Philippines with other West Point cadets to study Douglas MacArthur's military government policies.
June 5, 1951: Graduation from West Point
On June 5, 1951, Aldrin graduated third in his class from West Point with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering.
1951: Graduation from West Point
Buzz Aldrin graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1951 with a degree in mechanical engineering.
December 1952: Assigned to the 16th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron
In December 1952, Buzz Aldrin was assigned to the 16th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, based at Suwon Air Base in South Korea, during the Korean War.
May 14, 1953: First MiG-15 Shootdown
Buzz Aldrin shot down his first MiG-15 aircraft on May 14, 1953, while flying south of the Yalu River.
June 4, 1953: Second MiG-15 Shootdown
Buzz Aldrin achieved his second aerial victory on June 4, 1953, during an attack on an airbase in North Korea when he shot down another MiG-15 aircraft.
June 8, 1953: Life Magazine Feature
On June 8, 1953, Life magazine published gun camera footage captured by Buzz Aldrin, showing the pilot ejecting from his damaged aircraft.
December 1953: End of Korean War and Tour of Duty
In December 1953, Buzz Aldrin's year-long tour ended as the Korean War came to a close. He was subsequently assigned as an aerial gunnery instructor at Nellis Air Force Base.
December 1954: Aide-de-Camp Appointment
In December 1954, Aldrin became an aide-de-camp to Brigadier General Don Z. Zimmerman, the Dean of Faculty at the newly established United States Air Force Academy.
December 29, 1954: Marriage to Joan Archer
Buzz Aldrin married Joan Archer, a Rutgers University and Columbia University alumna, on December 29, 1954.
1955: Graduation and Air Force Academy Opening
In 1955, Buzz Aldrin graduated from the Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. The same year, the United States Air Force Academy, where he briefly served, officially opened.
1956: F-100 Super Sabre Pilot
From 1956 to 1959, Aldrin served as a flight commander in the 22nd Fighter Squadron, 36th Fighter Wing, stationed at Bitburg Air Base in West Germany, flying F-100 Super Sabres equipped with nuclear weapons.
1959: Enrollment at MIT
Buzz Aldrin enrolled as a graduate student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1959, pursuing a master's degree through the Air Force Institute of Technology.
1959: End of F-100 Super Sabre Service and Encouragement for Higher Education
In 1959, Buzz Aldrin concluded his service flying F-100 Super Sabres in West Germany. His colleague, Ed White, encouraged him to pursue a master's degree in aeronautical engineering, just as White had done.
1962: First Astronaut Application Rejected
Buzz Aldrin's initial application to NASA's Astronaut Group 2 was rejected in 1962 because he lacked test pilot experience.
January 1963: Doctoral Degree and Aspirations
In January 1963, Buzz Aldrin earned his Sc.D. degree in astronautics from MIT. His doctoral thesis focused on "Line-of-Sight Guidance Techniques for Manned Orbital Rendezvous," reflecting his aspiration to join the space program.
May 15, 1963: NASA Announces New Astronaut Selection
On May 15, 1963, NASA announced a new round of astronaut selections, requiring either test pilot experience or 1,000 hours of jet aircraft flying time.
October 18, 1963: Selection as Astronaut
On October 18, 1963, Buzz Aldrin was selected as one of fourteen members of NASA's Astronaut Group 3. His doctoral degree and expertise in orbital mechanics earned him the nickname "Dr. Rendezvous."
1964: Charles Duke's Master's Degree
In 1964, Charles Duke, a fellow USAF officer who had attended the same astrodynamics class as Aldrin, completed his master's degree at MIT under the supervision of Laurence R. Young.
February 28, 1966: Gemini 9 Crew Tragedy
On February 28, 1966, the tragic deaths of Gemini 9 prime crew members Elliot See and Charles Bassett in an air crash led to crew assignments being shifted.
June 17, 1966: Assignment to Gemini 12
Originally slated for a later mission, Jim Lovell and Buzz Aldrin were moved up and officially designated as the prime crew for Gemini 12 on June 17, 1966.
November 11, 1966: Gemini 12 Launch and Rendezvous Challenges
Gemini 12 launched on November 11, 1966. The mission encountered radar difficulties during the rendezvous with the Agena target vehicle, forcing Aldrin to guide the docking manually using a sextant and rendezvous charts.
November 12, 1966: Gemini 12 Docking Maneuvers and Eclipse Observation
On November 12, 1966, during the Gemini 12 mission, Lovell and Aldrin successfully executed docking and undocking maneuvers, overcoming a latch malfunction. They also observed and photographed a solar eclipse.
1966: Gemini 12 Mission
Buzz Aldrin served as the pilot of the Gemini 12 mission in 1966, during which he performed three spacewalks.
1966: Extravehicular Activity on Gemini 12
During the Gemini 12 mission in 1966, Aldrin spent over five hours on extravehicular activity.
November 20, 1967: Apollo Crew Assignment
On November 20, 1967, Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Jim Lovell were assigned as the backup crew for Apollo 9, which later shifted them to the prime crew of Apollo 11 due to mission changes.
May 1968: Struggles with Depression and Family History
Buzz Aldrin faced personal challenges after his Gemini 12 mission. The weight of his accomplishments was compounded by his mother's suicide in May 1968, leading to a battle with depression and guilt, a struggle made more difficult by the stigma associated with mental health at the time. Adding to the complexity, Aldrin believed he inherited a predisposition to depression from his mother's side of the family, who also suffered from similar struggles.
July 16, 1969: Apollo 11 Launch and Journey to the Moon
On July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 launched from Kennedy Space Center, captivating millions worldwide. The Saturn V rocket propelled the spacecraft into Earth orbit, and after maneuvers, the lunar module Eagle separated and began its journey toward the Moon.
July 21, 1969: First Religious Ceremony on the Moon
On July 21, 1969, Buzz Aldrin became the first person to hold a religious ceremony on the Moon when he took communion.
September 16, 1969: Address to Congress
On September 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 astronauts, including Buzz Aldrin, addressed a joint session of Congress. They expressed gratitude for the support and advocated for continued investment in space exploration.
November 5, 1969: Return from World Tour
On November 5, 1969, the Apollo 11 crew, including Buzz Aldrin, concluded a 38-day global tour, having visited 22 countries and engaged with world leaders, marking the end of their post-mission celebrations.
1969: Air Force Distinguished Service Medal and NASA Exceptional Service Medal
Buzz Aldrin received the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for his role on Apollo 11 in 1969. He was also awarded the NASA Exceptional Service Medal by President Johnson in 1966.
1969: Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Buzz Aldrin received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969.
1969: Apollo 11 Mission
In 1969, Buzz Aldrin became the second person to walk on the moon as the Lunar Module Eagle pilot on the Apollo 11 mission.
1969: Collier Trophy and General Thomas D. White USAF Space Trophy
The Apollo 11 crew was awarded the Collier Trophy in 1969, and the General Thomas D. White USAF Space Trophy in the same year.
October 1970: Collaboration with Soviet Cosmonauts
In October 1970, demonstrating the spirit of international collaboration during the space race, Buzz Aldrin joined Soviet cosmonauts Andriyan Nikolayev and Vitaly Sevastyanov on a tour of NASA facilities, offering a glimpse into their respective space programs.
1970: NASA Distinguished Service Medal
Buzz Aldrin was awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 1970 for the Apollo 11 mission.
1970: Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy and Hubbard Medal
In 1970, the Apollo 11 crew received the Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy for achievements in spaceflight and the Hubbard Medal from the National Geographic Society.
1970: First Religious Ceremony on the Moon
In 1970, Buzz Aldrin, a Presbyterian elder, marked a significant moment by conducting the first religious ceremony on the Moon. He shared a message of peace and contemplation with Earth and privately took communion, reflecting on the magnitude of the event.
July 1, 1971: Return to the Air Force
On July 1, 1971, with limited opportunities at NASA after the Apollo program, Buzz Aldrin, having achieved the rank of colonel, opted to return to the Air Force, concluding his NASA career with a remarkable record of spaceflight experience.
1971: Departure from NASA
Buzz Aldrin left NASA in 1971.
1971: Harmon Trophy
The Apollo 11 crew received the Harmon Trophy for aviators in 1971, presented to them by Vice President Spiro Agnew.
February 1972: Changes in the Air Force and Space Exploration
In February 1972, the Air Force's commitment to space exploration shifted with budget cuts and a change in focus. This led to the restructuring of the astronaut training program, prompting Buzz Aldrin's decision to retire.
March 1, 1972: Retirement from the Air Force
After a distinguished career, Buzz Aldrin officially retired from the Air Force as a colonel on March 1, 1972. His dedication to service was witnessed by his father and General Jimmy Doolittle, a close family friend, who were present at the ceremony.
1972: Oak Leaf Cluster Award
Buzz Aldrin was awarded an oak leaf cluster in 1972, in place of a second Distinguished Service Medal, for his service in the Korean War and the space program.
1972: Retirement from the Air Force
In 1972, Aldrin retired from the U.S. Air Force after 21 years of service.
1973: Publication of "Return to Earth"
Buzz Aldrin shared his personal experiences and challenges after leaving NASA in his 1973 autobiography, "Return to Earth." The book provided insights into his struggles with depression and alcoholism, shedding light on the often-hidden struggles faced by astronauts.
1973: Publication of "Return to Earth"
Buzz Aldrin published his autobiography, "Return to Earth," in 1973.
December 28, 1974: Loss of His Father
On December 28, 1974, Buzz Aldrin experienced the loss of his father who passed away due to complications from a heart attack. This event came during a challenging period in Aldrin's life, as he navigated personal struggles and sought stability.
1974: Divorce from Joan Archer
Buzz Aldrin and Joan Archer filed for divorce in 1974.
December 31, 1975: Marriage to Beverly Van Zile
Buzz Aldrin married Beverly Van Zile on December 31, 1975.
1976: Television Movie Adaptation of "Return to Earth"
Buzz Aldrin's personal story of returning to Earth and facing personal struggles was adapted into a television movie in 1976. The movie, also titled "Return to Earth," starred William Holden, who tragically passed away in 1981 due to alcohol-related issues, a loss that deeply affected Aldrin.
October 1978: Achieving Sobriety
After years of battling alcoholism, Buzz Aldrin reached a turning point in October 1978. He made the life-altering decision to quit drinking, marking a significant step towards recovery and personal growth.
1978: Divorce from Beverly Van Zile
Buzz Aldrin and Beverly Van Zile divorced in 1978.
1978: Teetotaler Since 1978
Buzz Aldrin has abstained from alcohol since 1978.
1981: William Holden's Passing
In 1981, Buzz Aldrin experienced the loss of actor William Holden, who had portrayed him in the television movie adaptation of his autobiography, "Return to Earth." Holden's death, attributed to alcohol-related issues, deeply saddened Aldrin, who shared a connection with the actor through the portrayal of his life story.
1982: Induction into International Space Hall of Fame
Buzz Aldrin was one of ten Gemini astronauts to be inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame in 1982.
1985: Residence in Los Angeles Area
Buzz Aldrin has primarily resided in the Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills and Laguna Beach since 1985.
1985: Aldrin Proposes Cycler Trajectory
Buzz Aldrin proposed the Aldrin cycler, a special spacecraft trajectory for reduced-cost travel to Mars, in 1985.
1985: Aldrin Joins University of North Dakota
In 1985, after leaving NASA, Buzz Aldrin joined the University of North Dakota's College of Aerospace Sciences, where he helped develop their Space Studies program.
February 14, 1988: Marriage to Lois Driggs Cannon
Buzz Aldrin married Lois Driggs Cannon on February 14, 1988.
1988: Legal Name Change
Buzz Aldrin legally changed his first name to "Buzz" in 1988.
1988: All-Veteran Crew on STS-26
The STS-26 mission in 1988 marked the first time since Apollo 10, and only the third time in American space history, that a space mission comprised entirely of astronauts who had previously flown in space.
1993: Induction into U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame
Buzz Aldrin was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1993.
1996: Founding of Starcraft Boosters, Inc.
Buzz Aldrin founded Starcraft Boosters, Inc. (SBI) in 1996 to design reusable rocket launchers.
1998: Reaching the North Pole
Buzz Aldrin, demonstrating his enduring passion for exploration, embarked on an expedition to the North Pole in 1998. This adventure, predating his South Pole journey, showcased his desire to experience Earth's extremes.
1999: Smithsonian Institution's Langley Gold Medal
In 1999, the Apollo 11 crew was awarded the Smithsonian Institution's Langley Gold Medal for aviation by Vice President Al Gore.
2000: Induction into National Aviation Hall of Fame
Buzz Aldrin was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2000.
2001: Appointment to Aerospace Industry Commission
President George W. Bush appointed Buzz Aldrin to the Commission on the Future of the United States Aerospace Industry in 2001.
September 9, 2002: Confrontation with Bart Sibrel
On September 9, 2002, Buzz Aldrin was confronted by moon landing conspiracy theorist Bart Sibrel. The altercation, caught on camera, resulted in Aldrin punching Sibrel, sparking debate about the boundaries of dealing with harassment and the persistence of conspiracy theories.
December 2003: Aldrin Criticizes NASA's Objectives
In December 2003, Buzz Aldrin published an opinion piece in The New York Times, criticizing NASA's objectives and expressing concern about their spacecraft development and lunar goals.
2003: Humanitarian Award from Variety
Buzz Aldrin received the Humanitarian Award from Variety, the Children's Charity, in 2003.
2004: Political Support for George W. Bush
Buzz Aldrin showed his support for the Republican Party by appearing at a rally for George W. Bush in 2004.
2005: Misinterpreted UFO Statements
In 2005, comments made by Buzz Aldrin during a documentary interview about a possible UFO sighting during Apollo 11 were taken out of context. Although Aldrin and the crew believed it to be a detached panel from their spacecraft, the editing of the documentary fueled speculation and misinterpretations.
2006: General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award
Buzz Aldrin received the General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award, the highest honor from the Space Foundation, in 2006.
August 15, 2007: Clarification on UFO Claims
Buzz Aldrin addressed claims about a UFO sighting during the Apollo 11 mission on "The Howard Stern Show" on August 15, 2007. He clarified that there was no extraterrestrial encounter, attributing the misinterpretation to taken out of context remarks from a previous documentary and reaffirming that the object was likely a detached panel from their spacecraft.
2007: Face-lift Procedure
In 2007, Buzz Aldrin revealed to Time magazine that he had undergone a face-lift.
2008: Political Support for Paul Rancatore
Buzz Aldrin continued his political activism in 2008 by campaigning for Paul Rancatore in Florida.
2008: Induction into New Jersey Hall of Fame
Buzz Aldrin was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2008.
2009: Publication of "Magnificent Desolation"
In 2009, Aldrin published his autobiography, "Magnificent Desolation."
2009: Reflections on Communion on the Moon
In 2009, Buzz Aldrin expressed mixed feelings about his decision to take communion on the Moon. While deeply meaningful for him, he acknowledged the need for a more inclusive approach, recognizing the diverse beliefs of humanity.
2009: Publication of "Magnificent Desolation"
In 2009, Buzz Aldrin published "Magnificent Desolation," a memoir reflecting on his life after his moonwalk, revisiting his struggles with mental health and addiction, and providing a deeper understanding of his post-NASA journey.
2011: Congressional Gold Medal
In 2011, the Apollo 11 crew was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in the Capitol Rotunda.
December 2012: Divorce from Lois Driggs Cannon
Buzz Aldrin and Lois Driggs Cannon's divorce was finalized in December 2012.
2012: Mourning Neil Armstrong
Buzz Aldrin was deeply saddened by the passing of his Apollo 11 colleague Neil Armstrong in 2012.
2012: Third Divorce
Buzz Aldrin went through his third divorce in 2012.
June 2013: Aldrin Supports Human Mission to Mars
Buzz Aldrin voiced his support for a human mission to Mars in a June 2013 opinion piece in The New York Times.
2014: Selling Westwood Condominium
In 2014, Buzz Aldrin sold his Westwood condominium after his third divorce in 2012.
2014: Political Support for Mead Treadwell
Buzz Aldrin further demonstrated his political engagement by campaigning for Mead Treadwell in Alaska in 2014.
2015: Chancellor of the International Space University
Buzz Aldrin was named Chancellor of the International Space University in 2015.
December 2016: Visit to the South Pole
Despite a health scare requiring evacuation, 86-year-old Buzz Aldrin achieved a remarkable feat in December 2016 by becoming the oldest person to reach the South Pole. This achievement highlighted his adventurous spirit and resilience.
2016: School Renaming
Buzz Aldrin's hometown middle school in Montclair, New Jersey was renamed Buzz Aldrin Middle School in 2016.
2018: Political Support for Dan Crenshaw
Continuing his political involvement, Buzz Aldrin campaigned for Dan Crenshaw in Texas in 2018.
2018: Legal Dispute with Family
In 2018, Buzz Aldrin was involved in a legal dispute with his children and former business manager over claims of his mental impairment and financial exploitation.
March 2019: Legal Dispute Resolution
In March 2019, Buzz Aldrin was involved in a legal dispute with his children and former business manager, which was resolved when both sides withdrew their lawsuits.
July 20, 2019: 50th Anniversary of Moon Landing
Buzz Aldrin expressed his wish to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the moon landing on July 20, 2019, alongside Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins.
2019: Guest at State of the Union Address
In 2019, Buzz Aldrin was a guest of President Donald Trump at the State of the Union Address.
2019: Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication
In 2019, Buzz Aldrin was awarded the Starmus Festival's Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication for Lifetime Achievement.
January 20, 2023: Fourth Marriage
On January 20, 2023, his 93rd birthday, Buzz Aldrin married his 63-year-old companion, Anca Faur.
May 5, 2023: Honorary Promotion and Space Force Guardian
Buzz Aldrin received an honorary promotion to brigadier general in the United States Air Force and was made an honorary Space Force guardian on May 5, 2023.