Apr 26

An Encore Presentation of Space Rocket History #87 – Gemini XII With Jim Lovell and Edwin (Buzz) Aldrin – Part 2

In space, Jim and Buzz began to wonder if everything had been shut down too soon. For 25 minutes, with one brief exception, they heard nothing from the ground. The Ascension Island tracking station had the wrong acquisition time, so its communicators had not talked with the astronauts…

G12 Nose

G12 Nose

Buzz hanging out

Buzz hanging out

Agena on Tether

Agena on Tether

Apr 19

Space Rocket History #205 – Apollo 11 – Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin – Part 2

Unfortunately Aldrin’s life became difficult shortly after he emerged from quarantine and began months of public appearances.

Buzz as Commandant at the Air Force Test Pilot school

Adlrin’s 2013 book

Current photo of Buzz

Apr 12

Space Rocket History #204 – Apollo 11 – Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin – Part 1

After Buzz graduated from Montclair High School in 1946, he turned down a full scholarship offer from the  Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and went to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

First space selfie by Buzz Aldrin

Buzz in 1969

Iconic Visor reflection photo of Buzz

Apr 05

Space Rocket History #203 – Apollo 11 – Command Module Pilot Michael Collins

The turning point for Michael Collins in his decision to become an astronaut was the Mercury Atlas 6 flight of John Glenn on February 20, 1962, and the thought of being able to circle the Earth in 90 minutes.

Michael Collins, July 1969

Mike Collins in the CM simulator

Mike Collins suiting up for Apollo 11