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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Reanna Smith

Buzz Aldrin became alcoholic and had 'no sense of calling' after moon landing

Today (July 20) marks the 53rd anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

On July 16 1969, the Apollo 11 crew embarked on the journey of a lifetime and on July 20 the Eagle module from Apollo 11 landed at Tranquility Base.

Hours later, Neil Armstrong became the first man to step foot on the moon.

19 minutes later, Armstrong was joined on the surface of the moon by his fellow astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

It was one of the most significant moments in human history as the astronauts collected data and soil samples before planting a US flag on the surface of the moon.

As he celebrates the anniversary of the moon landing, here's what happened to Buzz Aldrin when he made his return to Earth and what he's doing now.

Is Buzz Aldrin still alive?

Buzz Aldrin is now 92 years old (Getty Images)

Buzz Aldrin is still alive, the former astronaut is now 92 and is the only Apollo 11 Astronaut who is still living.

Buzz travelled on Apollo 11 with both Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins.

In 2012, Armstrong passed away at the age of 82. In a statement about his death, Aldrin said: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of my good friend, and space exploration companion, Neil Armstrong today.

"As Neil, Mike Collins and I trained together for our historic Apollo 11 Mission, we understood the many technical challenges we faced, as well as the importance and profound implications of this historic journey.

"We will now always be connected as the crew of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon, yet for the many millions who witnessed that remarkable achievement for humankind, we were not alone."

Last year, Michael Collins also died at the age of 90. Paying tribute to him on Twitter, Aldrin wrote: “Dear Mike, Wherever you have been or will be, you will always have the Fire to Carry us deftly to new heights and to the future. We will miss you. May you Rest In Peace."

What did Buzz Aldrin do after going to the moon?

Buzz Aldrin struggled with his mental health after the moon landing (SSPL via Getty Images)

When Buzz Aldrin returned to Earth after the moon landing, he began to struggle with depression and alcoholism.

In his autobiography Magnificent Desolution, Buzz later wrote: "I wanted to resume my duties, but there were no duties to resume.

"There was no goal, no sense of calling, no project worth pouring myself into."

Seeking a new purpose, Aldrin left NASA and in 1971 he became Commandant of the US Air Force Test Pilot School, but after just nine months on the job he stepped down from the role.

Shortly before retiring from the Air Force in 1972, Aldrin opened up about his mental health in an LA Times article.

Following this, he served on the board of directors of the National Association for Mental Health (NAMH) and also signed a book deal with Random House.

He published the book Return To Earth in 1973, which was a tell-all that detailed his infidelity in his marriage and in 1974 he divorced his first wife.

Aldrin went on to become the national chairman of the NAMH and toured the country speaking about his experience with depression, but his drinking problems spiralled and in 1975 he checked into a rehabilitation centre.

Despite his 28-day stay in the addiction treatment centre, Aldrin struggled to stay sober and in 1978 he was arrested for disorderly conduct after breaking his girlfriend's door while drunk.

Aldrin realised he'd hit rock bottom and in October 1978 he gave up alcohol for good.

What does Buzz Aldrin do now?

Buzz Aldrin wants humans to inhabit Mars (Getty Images)

In 2019 Buzz Aldrin went back to the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center and toured America attending events to celebrate 50 years since his Apollo 11 journey to the moon.

Throughout his career, Aldrin has actively campaigned for humans to go to Mars and continues to do this.

In 2019 he announced a campaign to accelerate the human habitation of Mars.

He said: “As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landing, it's my ultimate ambition to lay the foundations that will inspire and support the next generation to become space pioneers.

"I passionately believe that we can land people on Mars by 2040."

According to his IMDb, Aldrin is currently filming as promoter for The Globe Movie, which is in production.

Ahead of the 53rd anniversary of the moon landing today, Aldrin has been busy signing copies of special edition vintage LIFE Magazines and Apollo XI canvases.

He's also taken to Twitter to reminisce about the moon landing and his Apollo 11 journey.

On July 16 he wrote: "53 years ago, we embarked on a journey of immeasurable magnitude and promise, when Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and I launched on #Apollo11.

"There was risk and uncertainty, but we had the best ground support, and as a team, we successfully launched and we’re headed to the moon".

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