In Pictures: Buzz Aldrin Flies with the US Air Force's Thunderbirds

<div data-cycle-pager-template=”Preparing for Liftoff” readability=”33.5″>

Preparing for Liftoff

Preparing for Liftoff

Credit: USAF Thunderbirds

At age 87, the second person to walk on the moon is still breaking records and flying high. Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin flew with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) Thunderbirds during the Melbourne Air & Space Show in Orlando, Florida on April 2 and became the oldest person to fly with the aerobatic team.

<div data-cycle-pager-template=”Aerospace Magic” readability=”32″>

Aerospace Magic

Aerospace Magic

Credit: USAF Thunderbirds

The USAF Thunderbirds are one of the oldest aerobatic demonstration teams in the world, and have been flying since 1953.

<div data-cycle-pager-template=”Rocket Men” readability=”31.5″>

Rocket Men

Rocket Men

Credit: USAF Thunderbirds

The USAF Thunderbirds flew over the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral in Florida during the demonstration.

<div data-cycle-pager-template=”Thunderbird Jet” readability=”32.5″>

Thunderbird Jet

Thunderbird Jet

Credit: USAF Thunderbirds

A close-up of a USAF Thunderbird jet. Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, 87, passed rigorous physical requirements to take part in the demonstration.

<div data-cycle-pager-template=”Aldrin Takes Another Historic Flight” readability=”33.5″>

Aldrin Takes Another Historic Flight

Aldrin Takes Another Historic Flight

Credit: USAF Thunderbirds

Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, left, receives help preparing for a flight with the USAF Thunderbirds April 2. Aldrin is a retired Air Force colonel. At 87, Aldrin is the oldest person to participate in a Thunderbirds demonstration.

<div data-cycle-pager-template=”Celebrating Flight” readability=”31″>

Celebrating Flight

Celebrating Flight

Credit: USAF Thunderbirds

Buzz Aldrin poses with members of the USAF Thunderbirds.

<div data-cycle-pager-template=”Flight Through Space History” readability=”34.5″>

Flight Through Space History

Flight Through Space History

Credit: USAF Thunderbirds

The USAF Thunderbirds leave contrails in their wake as they fly past Launch Complex 39A, where Apollo 11 launched. Buzz Aldrin, flying with them, was part of Apollo 11’s historic flight to the moon. In the background is the Vehicle Assembly Building, where the Apollo 11 rocket was assembled before going to space.

<div data-cycle-pager-template=”Honoring the Past” readability=”31.5″>

Honoring the Past

Honoring the Past

Credit: USAF Thunderbirds

Another view of the Vehicle Assembly Building — where Apollo 11’s Saturn V rocket was put together — as the USAF Thunderbirds fly overhead.

<div data-cycle-pager-template=”Space Odyssey” readability=”31″>

Space Odyssey

Space Odyssey

Credit: USAF Thunderbirds

The USAF Thunderbirds fly over Florida’s Space Coast April 2.

<div data-cycle-pager-template=”” readability=”31.5″>

‘ThunderBuzz’

'ThunderBuzz'

Credit: USAF Thunderbirds

Buzz Aldrin jokingly called himself “ThunderBuzz” on Twitter after flying with members of the USAF Thunderbirds on April 2.

<div data-cycle-pager-template=”Meeting the Team” readability=”31″>

Meeting the Team

Meeting the Team

Credit: USAF Thunderbirds

Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin (in gray suit) shakes hands with members of the USAF Thunderbirds.

<div data-cycle-pager-template=”Flying Colors” readability=”31″>

Flying Colors

Flying Colors

Credit: USAF Thunderbirds

Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin poses with a member of the USAF Thunderbirds.

To source

,

Comments are closed.

Space, astronomy and science