Answer in brief
The second person to step on the Moon was Buzz Aldrin, Lunar Module Pilot of Apollo 11, who landed on July 20, 1969, alongside mission commander Neil Armstrong. As Lunar Module Pilot of the first crewed lunar landing, Aldrin performed operational tasks on the surface, deployed experiments, and helped pioneer techniques still relevant for future exploration.
Why this answer matters
Aldrin’s role on Apollo 11 is more than a historical footnote; it anchors a broader narrative of crewed lunar missions, surface operations, and long-duration spaceflight. Clarifying the sequence of moonwalks and each crewmember’s responsibilities supports accurate public understanding and informs current programs that study astronaut performance, hardware design, and mission planning for Artemis and commercial lunar initiatives.
Apollo 11 mission context
Apollo 11 was NASA’s first crewed lunar landing, launched on July 16, 1969. The mission involved three astronauts: Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins, and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin. The landing on July 20, 1969, fulfilled a national objective and demonstrated complex systems integration, real-time decision-making, and precise navigation in deep space.
Key mission phases
The mission proceeded through trans-lunar injection, lunar orbit insertion, undocking of the Lunar Module (LM) Eagle from the Command Module Columbia, powered descent to the surface, lunar EVA activities, ascent from the Moon, and trans-Earth injection. Each phase required precise timing, checklists, and cross-verification by the crew and ground teams.
Sequence of moonwalks on Apollo 11
Only two moonwalks (EVAs) occurred on the lunar surface during Apollo 11, both on July 20, 1969. The first EVA began approximately 6 and a half hours after landing, with Neil Armstrong descending the ladder first, followed minutes later by Buzz Aldrin. The second EVA, sometimes called the ‘deployment EVA,’ focused on collecting bulk samples and deploying the Early Apollo Scientific Experiments Package (EASEP). The detailed timeline below describes surface events and authenticated timings.
| Event | Time (UTC, mission elapsed) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Touchdown | July 20, 20:17:40 | LM Eagle lands in the Sea of Tranquility |
| Armstrong first EVA step | July 20, ~22:39 | First human moonwalk; iconic ‘small step’ quote |
| Aldrin joins surface | July 20, ~22:41 | Second person to step on the Moon |
| End of EVA-1 | July 21, 01:11 | Surface activities concluded; contingency sample collected |
| LM ascent from Moon | July 21, 23:54 | Rendezvous with Columbia in lunar orbit |
Buzz Aldrin’s background and preparation
Born Edwin Eugene Aldrin Jr. on January 20, 1930, he earned a Doctor of Science degree in astronautics from MIT and served as a fighter pilot during the Korean War. Selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1963, Aldrin brought technical expertise in orbital mechanics, which he later demonstrated during Gemini 12. His training for Apollo 11 included geology, photography, and spacecraft systems, enabling effective surface productivity alongside Armstrong.
Education and key career milestones
- 1951: Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Gemini 12 (1966): Demonstrated practical EVA techniques, including tethering and work procedures that informed Apollo surface operations. Apollo 11 (1969): Second person to walk on the Moon; contributed to navigation, task execution, and surface photography. Post-NASA career: Continued advocacy for space exploration, authored books, and engaged in public outreach regarding orbital mechanics and sustainable exploration architectures.
Operational contributions and experiments
On the lunar surface, Aldrin helped deploy the Passive Seismic Experiment and the Laser Ranging Retroreflector, both of which returned long-term data about the Moon’s interior and orbit. They collected contingency samples in case of an early abort, photographed the lander and horizon, and tested techniques for moving and working in the bulky suit. These activities provided templates for later Apollo missions in terms of task sequencing and tool use.
Comparison with the first person on the Moon
Understanding the difference between the first and second person on the Moon helps clarify mission roles and surface logistics. Armstrong descended first due to ladder configuration and protocol, while Aldrin followed shortly after. Both performed scientific tasks, but their sequencing and initial responsibilities differed based on seat position, suit checks, and communications flow.
| Attribute | Neil Armstrong | Buzz Aldrin |
|---|---|---|
| Role on Apollo 11 | Mission Commander | Lunar Module Pilot |
| First step on Moon | Yes (first person) | Second person (minutes later) |
| Primary surface tasks | Descender safety checks, sample collection, photography | \nSupport tasks, contingency sample, EASEP deployment |
| Post-flight recognition | Global icon; Presidential Medal of Freedom | Recognized for technical leadership; advocate for space exploration |
Enduring legacy and modern relevance
Aldrin’s technical writings, public speaking, and advocacy for human spaceflight to Mars and beyond have influenced generations of engineers and explorers. His emphasis on orbital mechanics, in-space propulsion, and sustainable infrastructure aligns with contemporary programs such as Artemis, commercial lunar landers, and long-duration habitation concepts. Examining his contributions supports accurate historical record-keeping and informs how space agencies design training, surface operations, and cross-functional teamwork for future missions.
Common questions and clarifications
- Could another crewmember have exited before Aldrin? Given the LM hatch and ladder geometry, protocol favored the commander first; a different order would have required redesign or mission replanning.
- Did Aldrin face challenges during the moonwalk? Surface tasks were time-constrained, spacesuit mobility was limited, and communications latency added operational complexity.
- What missions built on Apollo 11’s surface procedures? Apollo 12 through 17 refined EVA timelines, toolkits, and science payloads, many drawing directly from Aldrin’s Gemini and Apollo experiences.