Buzz Aldrin: “The moon’s a bad place.”

Appearing at The Free Library in Philadelphia, a day after the 40th anniversary of his moon walk, Buzz Aldrin spoke out against returning to the moon.

“It’s a bad place.” he said. “I ought to know. I’ve been there.”

Aldrin spoke before a packed auditorium (and an additional room full of paid simulcast viewers), projecting a lighthearted demeanor. His former reputation—as a tightly wound, no nonsense guy—was nowhere to be seen. I presume this is, in part, due to having dealt with his twin demons—alcoholism and depression. The presence of his wife, Lois, in the auditorium also probably kept his mood bright.

Buzz Aldrin reflects.

In any case, Buzz continues to promote a plan to reach Mars; not a race, but a deliberate methodical approach. He seems interested in all the benefits of spaceflight, including advances in science and engineering, commercial possibilities and more. But he seems most enthusiastic about the human adventure of exploration. Robots have there role, but they don’t replace manned exploration for Aldrin.

He expressed dismay at NASA’s plans to return to the moon. He

said  that if, on the sixtieth anniversary of Apollo 11 that all America had accomplished was to “return to the moon and kick up some moon dust,” he’d be disappointed.

“I’d also be 99 years old,” he added with a grin.