Net Worth Ranker
What Is Buzz Aldrin’s Net Worth?
Buzz Aldrin, the American engineer, fighter pilot, and former astronaut, has accumulated a net worth of $12 million. His wealth is primarily derived from his career in the military and space programs, coupled with earnings from book deals, public appearances, and other ventures.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Edwin Eugene Aldrin Jr. on January 20, 1930, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, Buzz Aldrin’s early life laid the foundation for his remarkable career. His father, Edwin Sr., was an executive at Standard Oil and a former World War I Army aviator, while his mother was Marion. He grew up with two older sisters, Madeleine and Fay Ann. Aldrin’s educational journey began at Montclair High School, where he played football. Later, he prepared for the United States Military Academy at West Point by enrolling at the Severn School. In 1951, Aldrin graduated third in his class at West Point, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, marking a crucial step towards his future endeavors.
Following his graduation from West Point in 1951, Aldrin was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He underwent fighter pilot training at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. In 1952, he was assigned to the 16th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron and saw action in the Korean War. During the war, he flew 66 combat missions and shot down two MiG-15 aircraft, earning him two Distinguished Flying Crosses and three Air Medals. Post-war, Aldrin became an aerial gunnery instructor at Nellis and graduated from the Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. From 1956 to 1959, he served as a flight commander in West Germany, piloting F-100 Super Sabres. Upon returning to the United States, he pursued graduate studies at MIT, culminating in a Doctor of Science degree in astronautics in 1963. He was then assigned to the Gemini Target Office of the Air Force Space Systems Division.
NASA Career and Apollo 11 Mission
In 1963, Aldrin’s career trajectory took a significant turn when he was selected as one of 14 members of NASA’s Astronaut Group 3. This marked him as the first astronaut with a doctoral degree. He was initially chosen as part of the backup crew for Gemini 10. Aldrin’s first spaceflight occurred in 1966 on Gemini 12, where he spent over five hours performing extravehicular activity. This mission served as a prelude to his most famous endeavor.
On July 16, 1969, Aldrin was part of the Apollo 11 crew as the Lunar Module Pilot, launching from the Kennedy Space Center. On July 21, 1969, Aldrin, along with mission commander Neil Armstrong, made history by becoming the first humans to set foot on the Moon. Aldrin’s first words upon stepping onto the lunar surface were, “Beautiful view. Magnificent desolation.” Upon returning to Earth, the crew was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His NASA career concluded in 1971, after accumulating 289 hours in space. Seeing limited prospects at NASA, he aimed to return to the Air Force.
Post-NASA Career and Ventures
After leaving NASA in 1971, Aldrin took on the role of Commandant of the USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in California. In 1972, he retired as a colonel in the Air Force. He later joined the University of North Dakota’s College of Aerospace Sciences in 1985 and contributed to the development of its Space Studies program. In 1998, Aldrin founded the non-profit educational foundation ShareSpace, which aims to promote the benefits of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). In 2013, he advocated for a human mission to Mars, and in 2015, in collaboration with the Florida Institute of Technology, he presented a master plan to NASA for astronauts to colonize the planet by 2040. These post-NASA activities have contributed to his overall financial standing and public profile.
Earnings from Books and Public Appearances
Buzz Aldrin has authored several books, including autobiographies and works on space exploration. His books include “Return to Earth” (1973), “Men from Earth” (1991), “Magnificent Desolation” (2009), and “No Dream Is Too High: Life Lessons From a Man Who Walked on the Moon” (2016). These books have generated revenue through royalties and sales. Aldrin also makes numerous public appearances and speaking engagements. His presence at events, conferences, and television programs brings in income through appearance fees and speaking honorariums. Details about specific earnings from these ventures are not publicly disclosed, but they contribute to his overall net worth. Additionally, Buzz Aldrin has been involved in various endorsements and promotional activities throughout his career. These partnerships with brands and organizations provide additional income through endorsement fees. The specific details of these arrangements are typically confidential.
Real Estate Holdings
In 1998, Buzz Aldrin and his then-wife Lois purchased a condo in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles for $1.34 million. After their divorce, Aldrin listed the condo for sale at $3.3 million. The property was eventually sold in June 2014 for $2.857 million. This real estate transaction contributed significantly to his net worth. Aldrin has resided in various locations throughout his life, including Beverly Hills, Westwood, Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach, and Satellite Beach, Florida. Specific details regarding other real estate holdings are not publicly available.
Honors and Recognition
Throughout his career, Aldrin has received numerous awards and honors, including the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal in 1969 for his role in the Apollo 11 mission. He also received the Legion of Merit for his service in the Gemini and Apollo programs, as well as the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and the Collier Trophy, which was presented to the entire Apollo 11 crew. In 1982, Aldrin was inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame, and later into the US Astronaut Hall of Fame, the National Aviation Hall of Fame, and the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Other accolades include the Smithsonian Institution’s Langley Gold Medal, the Harmon Trophy, the Space Foundation’s General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award, and several honorary degrees from colleges and universities. While these honors do not directly impact his net worth, they enhance his public image and can lead to further opportunities.
Personal Life and Marriages
Aldrin’s personal life has included three marriages. He married his first wife, Joan Archer, in 1954, and they had three children: Janice, James, and Andrew. The couple divorced in 1974. Aldrin then married Beverly Van Zile in 1975, but the marriage ended in 1978. In 1988, he married Lois Driggs Cannon, and they divorced in 2012. Details of any financial settlements resulting from these divorces are not publicly known and may have had an impact on his financial situation.
Throughout his life, Aldrin has faced personal challenges, including struggles with depression and addiction. After leaving NASA and the Air Force, he experienced these difficulties, which were exacerbated by the suicides of his mother and grandfather. In 1972, he was hospitalized for four weeks due to depression. Despite these challenges, Aldrin has remained a prominent advocate for space exploration and has continued to pursue his passion for science and technology. These personal struggles have likely influenced his career choices and financial decisions over the years.
