Buzz Aldrin – Biography, Net Worth, Books and Current Status

Few figures in human exploration command as much recognition as Buzz Aldrin. As the second person to set foot on the Moon and the last surviving member of the Apollo 11 crew, his life story remains a subject of enduring public interest. Here is a detailed account of his current status, biographical details, professional legacy, and frequently asked questions.

Buzz Aldrin continues to be active in public life as of 2025 and 2026. He turned 96 on January 20, 2026, and still participates in space advocacy and educational events.

Is Buzz Aldrin Still Alive? – Current Status in 2025

Yes, Buzz Aldrin is alive as of 2025 and into 2026. He remains the oldest living Apollo astronaut and the only surviving member of the Apollo 11 crew following the deaths of Neil Armstrong (2012) and Michael Collins (2021).

Key insights

• Buzz Aldrin was born January 20, 1930, in Montclair, New Jersey (Britannica).
• He flew 66 combat missions in Sabre Jets during the Korean War (National Space Society).
• He earned a Doctorate of Science in Astronautics from MIT in 1963 (ERAU).
• He served as Lunar Module Pilot on Apollo 11 and spent 2 hours 15 minutes on the lunar surface (NASA).
• Aldrin has authored nine books, including children’s titles and science fiction (Reading Rockets).
• He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal (EBSCO).

^*Height is commonly reported as 5 ft 10 in, though some sources list 5 ft 8 in. The provided research does not include a definitive measurement.

How Old Is Buzz Aldrin? – Age, Height and Education

Buzz Aldrin turned 96 in January 2026. His exact age is well documented, but his height is less consistently reported.

Age and birth details

Born on January 20, 1930 in Montclair, New Jersey, Aldrin is currently 96 years old. He is the last surviving Apollo 11 crew member (Wikipedia).

Height: what is known

No official source states his height. Public records and biographies commonly list him at 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m). However, some accounts give 5 ft 8 in. This information should be treated as approximate.

Educational background

Aldrin graduated third in his class from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1951 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He earned a Doctorate of Science in Astronautics from MIT in 1963; his thesis was titled “Guidance for Manned Orbital Rendezvous” (ERAU).

What Is Buzz Aldrin’s Net Worth and Did He Write a Book?

Buzz Aldrin’s net worth is not disclosed in any official document. Financial estimates from news outlets and biographical sources place it between $12 million and $15 million, derived from his NASA pension, book royalties, speaking engagements, and endorsements. Because these figures are not audited, they carry a degree of uncertainty.

Books by Buzz Aldrin

Aldrin has written nine books spanning autobiography, children’s literature, non‑fiction, science fiction, and visionary works. Notable titles include:

• Return to Earth (1973) – autobiography
• Men from Earth (1989, with Malcolm McConnell) – non‑fiction
• Encounter with Tiber (1996, with John Barnes) – science fiction
• The Return (2001) – science fiction
• Reaching for the Moon (2005) – children’s book
• Magnificent Desolation (2009, with Ken Abraham) – autobiography
• Look to the Stars (2009) – children’s book
• Welcome to Mars: Making a Home on the Red Planet – children’s book
• Mission to Mars: My Vision for Space Exploration (2013) – visionary
• No Dream Is Too High: Life Lessons from a Man Who Walked on the Moon (2016) – motivational

Source for the book list: Britannica and Reading Rockets.

Buzz Aldrin – Life Timeline

1. 1930 – Born in Montclair, New Jersey
2. 1951 – Graduated from U.S. Military Academy, West Point
3. 1963 – Ph.D. in Astronautics from MIT
4. 1966 – Gemini 12 mission – pioneered spacewalk techniques
5. 1969 – Apollo 11 – walked on the Moon (July 20)
6. 1971 – Retired from NASA
7. 2002 – Released autobiography Magnificent Desolation
8. 2018 – Published No Dream Is Too High
9. 2025–2026 – Continues public appearances and space advocacy

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain?

Why Buzz Aldrin’s Biography Still Matters

As the last surviving Apollo 11 astronaut, Aldrin offers a direct link to the historic Moon landing. His ongoing advocacy for Mars colonization and STEM education keeps his story relevant. Each anniversary of Apollo 11 drives renewed public interest in his age, current activities, and achievements. His foundation, ShareSpace (founded 1998), continues to promote affordable space travel and education (Reading Rockets).

Aldrin remains a frequent speaker at universities and space conferences. His description of the lunar surface as “magnificent desolation” has become a lasting part of the space lexicon (EBSCO).

Quotes and Notable Sayings

“Magnificent desolation.”

— Buzz Aldrin, describing the lunar surface during Apollo 11

“No dream is too high: Life lessons from a man who walked on the Moon.”

— Book title (2016)

“I believe that we are explorers, and we are meant to push the boundaries of what is possible.”

— From various interviews and speeches

Summary of Buzz Aldrin’s Life and Status

Buzz Aldrin remains a living icon of human spaceflight. At 96 years old, he is the last surviving Apollo 11 crew member, an author of nine books, and a tireless advocate for Mars exploration. While his net worth is not precisely documented and his height is subject to conflicting reports, his role in history is unmistakable. For more biographical comparisons, see the James Watt – Inventor vs Entrepreneur, Complete Guide and Michael Jordan – Net Worth, Stats, Family and Current Status.

Frequently Asked Questions