Fortunately , his story ends well .
More than 50 years after our galaxy ’ s most famous walk , Aldrin has refused to let that achievement be all he leaves behind . With the lessons he learned , as well as the funding , research , books , and collaboration he continues to do with experts in space travel and technology , he ’ s built an empire . And at 91 years young , he ’ s actively and passionately involved in a project he calls “ Get Your Ass To Mars ,” a project that benefits his ShareSpace , Aldrin Family Foundation . n
5 Fascinating Facts About Buzz Aldrin
We dare you to name a more fascinating human than Buzz Aldrin . From leaving footprints on the moon to exploring the depths of the ocean to influencing future space travel and exploration , Buzz has lived the past 91 years of his life to the fullest . Here are just five of our favorite facts about the man who defines what it means to truly live .
No . 1 : Buzz Is His Legal Name , But Not His Birth Name .
Buzz was actually born Edwin E . Aldrin Jr ., but the name he would become most known for is credited to his sister , Fay Ann . According to family lore , Fay Ann struggled to pronounce the word “ brother ” and instead called Buzz her “ buzzer .” The name stuck , and in the 1980s , Buzz legally changed his name to Buzz Aldrin .
That ’ s not the only instance of a family name carving out Buzz ’ s future . Buzz ’ s mother ’ s maiden name was actually Marion Moon . How ’ s that for a coincidence ?
No . 2 : He ’ s The Feature Subject Of The Moon ’ s Paparazzi .
Some of the world ’ s most famous photos of astronauts in space feature Buzz , but you wouldn ’ t know it just by looking at them . ( The big white suit tends to block any distinguishing features .) Neil Armstrong , Buzz ’ s crewmate on the Apollo 11 mission , was tasked with documenting the first moonwalk , so many of the great photos we know and love today feature Buzz , who was just on the other side of the lens . Of the most iconic photos , the Visor Shot , is most celebrated because the Eagle Lander — the shuttle Armstrong and Buzz used to land on the moon — is shown in the reflection of Buzz ’ s helmet .
Neil wasn ’ t the only amateur photographer aboard the Apollo 11 . Buzz ’ s photograph of a footprint imprinted into the moon by either him or Neil is widely recognized as one of the most iconic photographs from the mission .
No . 3 : Buzz Has Made His Mark On Pop Culture , Too .
The world ’ s second most-popular Buzz is actually named after the legendary moonwalker . Disney Pixar ’ s Buzz Lightyear , from the " Toy Story " franchise , was given that name in honor of Buzz . He ’ s also credited with being the inspiration behind the MTV Video Music Awards ’ “ Moonman ” statuette . Often referred to as “ Buzzy ,” the award was a tribute of sorts from MTV ’ s former president , Tom Freston , who was said to admire Buzz . In fact , Freston even gave Buzz a special “ Buzzy ” with the engraving , “ To the original Moonman .”
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