Buzz Aldrin, the legendary Apollo 11 astronaut and the second human to walk on the moon, has endorsed former President Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election. The 94-year-old spaceflight pioneer cited Trump’s previous administration’s focus on space exploration as a key factor in his decision.
In a detailed statement, Aldrin praised several space-related accomplishments during Trump’s first term, including the revival of the National Space Council and the establishment of the U.S. Space Force. “I am enthused and excited by the great advancements in the private sector space economy,” Aldrin said, explicitly highlighting the achievements of SpaceX founder Elon Musk.
The second moonwalker emphasized the importance of leadership qualities in his endorsement decision. Aldrin cited “Understanding of human nature, clarity in judgment, decisiveness, knowledge, understanding, and calm under pressures” as crucial presidential attributes he believes Trump possesses.
Aldrin’s support extends beyond space policy considerations. The former astronaut expressed concerns about current global challenges, pointing to “serious and difficult realities on the global security landscape” and “major economic challenges, stability in our communities, and the rule of law concerns” as additional factors influencing his decision.
The space program saw several significant developments during Trump’s previous administration. The reinstitution of the National Space Council in 2017 marked a renewed focus on space exploration priorities. The creation of the Space Force as a separate military branch represented another major shift in space-related policy. Aldrin noted that this military branch is “increasingly important as space becomes a contested domain.”
The endorsement comes at a significant moment in Aldrin’s life. Earlier this year, the Apollo 11 astronaut reflected on the 55th anniversary of the historic moon landing mission. During recent interviews, he has continued to advocate for space exploration, particularly emphasizing the importance of establishing a permanent human presence on Mars.
Aldrin has maintained an active voice in space policy discussions throughout the years, expressing both praise and criticism for various administration approaches to space exploration. His endorsement reflects his long-standing interest in ensuring consistent and forward-looking space policy. During Trump’s first term, the former astronaut stated that the administration “reignited national efforts to get back to the Moon and push on to Mars.”