Happy 96th Birthday to Apollo 11 Astronaut Buzz Aldrin!

Buzz Aldrin born on January 20, 1930

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin is scheduled to speak at the 44th Space Congress on Tuesday, May 24, at the Radisson Resort at the Port. (BuzzAldrin.com image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Legendary astronaut and space pioneer Buzz Aldrin is celebrating his 96th birthday today, marking another remarkable milestone in a life that has helped define humanity’s journey beyond Earth.

Aldrin, best known as the lunar module pilot of Apollo 11, became the second human to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969, leaving an indelible mark on history during NASA’s first successful crewed lunar landing.

His contributions to space exploration extend far beyond that iconic moment, spanning decades of service as a test pilot, astronaut, author, and passionate advocate for human spaceflight.

The accompanying photo was taken nearly 60 years ago this coming November, capturing Aldrin as he embarked on his first spaceflight, Gemini XII, in 1966.

The accompanying photo was taken nearly 60 years ago this coming November, capturing Aldrin as he embarked on his first spaceflight, Gemini XII, in 1966.

That mission was a critical success for NASA, demonstrating advanced spacewalking techniques and helping pave the way for the Apollo missions that followed.

Aldrin, best known as the lunar module pilot of Apollo 11, became the second human to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969, leaving an indelible mark on history during NASA’s first successful crewed lunar landing.

As Buzz Aldrin completes another orbit around the Sun, admirers around the world celebrate not only his longevity, but his enduring legacy of courage, innovation, and inspiration. We wish him the utmost health and happiness on his 96th birthday and thank him for continuing to inspire generations to look up and dream bigger.

The Apollo 11 crew portrait. Left to right are Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin.

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