Buzz Aldrin is an American astronaut, engineer, and retired fighter pilot, best known as the second person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. A former Brigadier General in the United States Air Force, Aldrin has dedicated his life to space exploration, with significant contributions to space travel, astronaut training, and Mars exploration initiatives. Even at the age of 95 in 2025, he remains active in space advocacy, science communication, and public appearances.
In this article, we will explore Buzz Aldrin’s net worth, biography, age, height, weight, career milestones, awards, personal life, family, relationships, latest news, and lesser-known facts.
Buzz Aldrin Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Edwin Eugene Aldrin Jr. |
| Nickname | Buzz Aldrin, Dr. Rendezvous |
| Profession | Astronaut, Engineer, Fighter Pilot, Space Advocate |
| Hometown | Glen Ridge, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | January 20, 1930 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 95 years |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | White (formerly Blonde) |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Spouse | Anca Faur (m. 2023) |
| Children | 3 (James, Janice, and Andrew Aldrin) |
| Education | United States Military Academy (BS), MIT (MS, ScD) |
| Famous For | Apollo 11, Moon Landing |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $12 Million |
Early Life & Education
Buzz Aldrin was born Edwin Eugene Aldrin Jr. on January 20, 1930, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, USA. His father, Edwin Eugene Aldrin Sr., was a military aviator and an executive at Standard Oil, while his mother, Marion Moon Aldrin, had family ties to aviation.
He attended Montclair High School, where he excelled in academics and sports. His father encouraged him to attend the United States Naval Academy, but Aldrin chose the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated third in his class in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
Following his military service in the Korean War, Aldrin pursued further education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned a Doctorate of Science (ScD) in Astronautics in 1963. His doctoral thesis, “Line-of-Sight Guidance Techniques for Manned Orbital Rendezvous,” became essential in NASA’s space rendezvous techniques, earning him the nickname “Dr. Rendezvous.”
Military Career & Space Exploration
Korean War & Military Service
After graduating from West Point, Aldrin was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. During the Korean War, he flew 66 combat missions in an F-86 Sabre, shooting down two MiG-15 fighters. For his service, he was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and three Air Medals.
Post-war, he worked as an aerial gunnery instructor and later commanded a nuclear-armed F-100 Super Sabre squadron in West Germany before pursuing his doctorate at MIT.
NASA Career
Selection as an Astronaut
Aldrin joined NASA in 1963 as part of Astronaut Group 3, becoming the first astronaut with a doctorate degree. His expertise in orbital rendezvous made him a key figure in Project Gemini and Apollo missions.
Gemini 12 Mission (1966)
In 1966, Aldrin flew aboard Gemini 12 with Jim Lovell, performing three EVAs (spacewalks) lasting over 5 hours. His innovations, such as underwater training for spacewalks, made future extravehicular activities more efficient.
Apollo 11 & Moon Landing (1969)
On July 20, 1969, Aldrin made history as the second person to walk on the Moon, after Neil Armstrong, during the Apollo 11 mission. His famous words, “Magnificent Desolation,” captured the surreal beauty of the lunar landscape.
While on the Moon, he became the first person to perform a religious ceremony in space, taking Holy Communion in secret due to a prior legal dispute over religious activities in space.
Apollo 11 returned to Earth on July 24, 1969, and the crew was celebrated worldwide, receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, ticker-tape parades, and a 38-nation world tour.
Post-NASA Career & Contributions
- Commandant of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School (1971)
- Retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1972 as a Colonel
- Advocate for Mars exploration, designing the “Aldrin Cycler” trajectory
- Founded ShareSpace Foundation for STEM education
- Public speaker, author, and TV personality
Family & Relationships
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Father | Edwin Eugene Aldrin Sr. (Army Aviator, Standard Oil Executive) |
| Mother | Marion Aldrin (née Moon) |
| Spouse | Anca Faur (m. 2023), Previously married 3 times |
| Children | James, Janice, and Andrew Aldrin |
Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | White (formerly Blonde) |
Buzz Aldrin Net Worth & Income Sources (2025 Updated)
Buzz Aldrin’s estimated net worth in 2025 is $12 million. His wealth comes from:
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| NASA Career | Salary & Benefits |
| Military Pension | USAF Brigadier General |
| Book Royalties | “Return to Earth”, “Magnificent Desolation”, “Mission to Mars” |
| Speaking Engagements | Space Conferences, STEM Education |
| Endorsements | Commercials for Verizon, IBM, Quaker Oats |
Latest News & Media Appearances (2025)
- Buzz Aldrin Stars in Verizon Commercial (2025)
- Featured in Verizon’s “Can you text me now?” satellite service ad.
- Showcased advancements in satellite communications.
- Received Honorary Promotion (2023)
- Promoted to Brigadier General in the U.S. Air Force at age 93.
Lesser-Known Facts About Buzz Aldrin
- His mother’s maiden name was “Moon”.
- He was the first astronaut to tweet from space.
- The character Buzz Lightyear is named after him.
- He once punched a Moon landing conspiracy theorist in 2002.
- He has been to both the North and South Poles.
- He helped develop a Mars transport system (Aldrin Cycler).
- He appeared in “The Simpsons”, “Transformers”, and “The Big Bang Theory”.
- He struggled with depression and alcoholism after Apollo 11.
- He legally changed his name to Buzz Aldrin in 1988.
- He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
FAQs About Buzz Aldrin
Q: How old is Buzz Aldrin in 2025?
A: Buzz Aldrin is 95 years old (born January 20, 1930).
Q: What is Buzz Aldrin’s net worth?
A: Estimated at $12 million in 2025.
Q: Did Buzz Aldrin really punch a conspiracy theorist?
A: Yes, in 2002, he punched Bart Sibrel after being called a “liar”.
Q: What is the “Aldrin Cycler”?
A: A spacecraft trajectory that enables efficient travel between Earth and Mars.
Conclusion
Buzz Aldrin’s legacy in space exploration remains unmatched. From being one of the first humans on the Moon to advocating for Mars colonization, his influence extends across science, technology, and public outreach. At 95 years old, he continues to inspire the world.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is for informational purposes only.
