Buzz Aldrin Turns 80

On July 20, 1969, Buzz Aldrin became the second man to set foot on the Moon, following mission commander Neil Armstrong. That historic moment was over 40 years ago. Today, Aldrin is celebrating another milestone, his 80th birthday.

Although the famous Apollo 11 mission was over four decades ago when NASA was in its infancy, Buzz continues to be very vocal in matters of human spaceflight. He is an outspoken critic of spaceflight policy and an expert in communicating all things space to the public.

INTERVIEW: Find out what Buzz had to say to Discovery News correspondent Irene Klotz during the Apollo 11 anniversary in July 2009.

In fact, in 2008 I was fortunate enough to meet Buzz during the premier of the 3D animated space adventure, Fly Me to the Moon. He provided the voice over of an animated version of his 1969 self.

When I met Buzz: At the Director's Guild of America, Hollywood, during the screening of Fly Me to the Moon in 2008 (Ian O'Neill)

In the short time I was able to speak with Buzz, I was surprised by how energetic he is for a guy who has spent his life devoted to his country, serving in the military (flying 66 combat missions and getting shot down over Korea) and then serving as a NASA astronaut, spending a total of 12 days in space (on the Gemini 12 and Apollo 11 missions). He certainly has no plans for a quiet retirement (in fact, I don't think he ever really retired).

As if he ever had to prove that he was "in tune" with popular culture, Aldrin recorded a lighthearted rap video with hip hop artist Snoop Dogg last year. Naturally, the song was titled "Rocket Experience."

But, most importantly, what does Buzz want for his 80th birthday? According to his official Twitter account, he would like all of us to help raise funds for the Haiti disaster relief efforts: "Buzz's asst here, says his 80th bday wish is for you to donate to Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund $8 or $80 every bit helps: http://tiny.cc/nLnCZ"

Thank you Buzz for all your efforts in engaging the public in space exploration, keep doing what you're doing, because you're doing it right. Happy 80th Birthday!

"The world needs to venture outward to satisfy our curiosity, our need to achieve and learn more about our place in this magnificent universe." --Buzz Aldrin.