If you ask Buzz Aldrin about space exploration, there is nothing more important than taking humans to Mars.
Aldrin, who was the second person to ever walk on the moon, has not lost his love for space travel over the years. Now, he’s got high hopes for what the next generation of astronauts can do. Aldrin says humans need to explore, to push the boundaries, and that Mars is the next logical destination after the moon.
“People ask me all the time why we should go to Mars. Because it’s there!” Aldrin wrote in an email to A Plus. “We’re explorers. Why do we climb the highest mountain? To see what’s on the other side.”
To help make that dream a reality, Aldrin revamped his organization ShareSpace Foundation to focus on K-12 through STEAM education — science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
“Science is fun and exciting, but it’s not always presented that way to kids,” Aldrin said. “This is why we include the arts for a well-rounded education. The younger generation will be at the forefront of technological advancements. I call them GENERATION MARS because they will be the ones carrying out Mars missions.”
Aldrin and Terry Virts, the former Commander of the International Space Station, are now working with the online fundraising platform Omaze to help raise money for his foundation by offering a meet and greet with Aldrin and Virts.
This week, Aldrin made headlines for making what some described as “incredulous” expressions during President Donald Trump’s speech on space. But Aldrin insists his hope for the Trump administration is the same as his hopes for any other president.
“That they understand, appreciate and support the incredible work NASA does,” Aldrin said. “And that they continue to provide the adequate funding to further our space exploration efforts and beyond.”
While Aldrin has come up with his own theories on how to accomplish a human mission to Mars, he continues to focus his efforts on inspiring the next generation. For future astronauts, or anyone who loves space, he had a message:
“Learn as much as you can,” Aldrin said. “Figure out what you’re good at, try out a lot of things and open your arms wide to opportunities and experiences. There are lots of ways that kids can get excited about space. We need astronauts but we also need people in mission control, engineers, technicians, computer programmers, doctors, and scientists.”
Want to help? Learn more about Aldrin’s foundation here.
By A Plus’ Isaac Saul
