Buzz Aldrin Net Worth

Table: Buzz Aldrin’s Personal Information

What is Buzz Aldrin’s Net Worth?

Buzz Aldrin, an American engineer, fighter pilot, and former astronaut, has a net worth of $12 million. He gained widespread fame for being one of the first two people to walk on the Moon, achieving this historic feat alongside Neil Armstrong in 1969. Besides his moon landing, Aldrin flew combat missions during the Korean War and played a crucial role as the pilot of Gemini 12 in 1966, during which he made three spacewalks. After leaving NASA in 1971, Aldrin became the Commandant of the US Air Force Test Pilot School.

Although technically the second person to walk on the Moon, Aldrin was the lunar module pilot on Apollo 11, the mission that marked the first-ever manned lunar landing in history. Stepping foot on the Moon on July 21, 1969, at 03:15:16 (UTC), after mission commander Neil Armstrong, Aldrin famously described the lunar surface as a “beautiful view” and “magnificent desolation.”

Highlights

Born as Edwin Eugene Aldrin Jr. on January 20, 1930, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, Buzz Aldrin led an extraordinary life filled with remarkable achievements. Here are some of the key highlights:

• Graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a BS degree in mechanical engineering in 1951
• Served as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, flying 66 combat missions and shooting down two enemy aircraft
• Selected as part of NASA’s Astronaut Group 3 in 1963, becoming the first astronaut with a doctoral degree
• Performed extravehicular activity during his first spaceflight on Gemini 12 in 1966
• Made history as the second person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969
• Retired from NASA in 1971 and took on various roles related to space exploration and education
• Advocated for human missions to Mars and presented a master plan for astronauts colonizing the planet by 2040
• Received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to space exploration

Early Life

Buzz Aldrin was born on January 20, 1930, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. His parents were Edwin Sr., a Standard Oil executive and former World War I Army aviator, and Marion. Aldrin had two older sisters named Madeleine and Fay Ann. As a Boy Scout, he developed an early interest in aviation and played football at Montclair High School.

Following his father’s advice, Aldrin initially planned to attend the United States Naval Academy but changed his mind due to seasickness. Instead, he enrolled at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated third in his class in 1951 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Career

Military Career:

Upon graduating from West Point, Aldrin was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He underwent flight training and flew fighter jets at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. During the Korean War, he served as part of the 16th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron and flew 66 combat missions, earning honors such as the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medals.

After the war, Aldrin became an aerial gunnery instructor and later attended graduate school at MIT, where he earned a Doctor of Science degree in astronautics. He then joined the Gemini Target Office of the Air Force Space Systems Division and continued his military career in various capacities, piloting F-100 Super Sabres and serving in West Germany.

NASA Career and Apollo 11:

In 1963, Buzz Aldrin was selected as part of NASA’s Astronaut Group 3. He served on the backup crew of Gemini 10 and eventually went on his first spaceflight, Gemini 12, in 1966. During this mission, he spent over five hours performing extravehicular activity and setting a record for the longest spacewalk at the time.

Aldrin’s most famous mission came in 1969 as part of Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing. Alongside Neil Armstrong, he became the second person to step foot on the Moon’s surface. The crew’s achievements were widely celebrated, and upon their return to Earth, they received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

After his successful lunar mission, Aldrin made numerous public appearances, delivered speeches, and contributed to space shuttle design. However, he saw limited prospects at NASA and decided to leave in 1971 to pursue a return to the Air Force. By the end of his NASA career, he had spent a total of 289 hours in space.

Personal Life

Buzz Aldrin married his first wife, Joan Archer, in 1954. Together, they had three children: Janice, James, and Andrew. The couple divorced in 1974. Aldrin later married Beverly Van Zile in 1975, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1978. In 1988, he married Lois Driggs Cannon, and they divorced in 2012.

Aldrin has primarily resided in various locations, including Los Angeles, Orange County, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach, and Satellite Beach, Florida.

Net Worth Over Time

Buzz Aldrin’s net worth has been estimated at $12 million. While he achieved significant fame and recognition for his role in the Apollo 11 mission, his net worth is relatively modest compared to some other celebrities.

Components of Net Worth

Aldrin’s net worth primarily consists of his earnings from his military career, NASA salaries, book royalties, public appearances, and brand endorsements. He has also invested in real estate, including properties in Los Angeles and Orange County.

In addition to his financial assets, Aldrin’s net worth encompasses his significant contributions to space exploration and education. Through his involvement in various organizations and initiatives, he has played an influential role in promoting the benefits of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

In summary, Buzz Aldrin’s net worth of $12 million reflects his exceptional achievements as an astronaut, military pilot, and advocate for space exploration. Despite facing personal challenges and struggles with depression, Aldrin’s contributions to science and education continue to inspire future generations.

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