Buzz Aldrin announces Mars missions dream

Buzz Aldrin has outlined his dream of multiple missions to Mars at the ‘EU Science: Global Challenges & Global Collaboration’ conference in Brussels.

Speaking to delegates at the European Parliament, Aldrin set-out his ambition for humans to settle and colonise the red planet by 2040.

“We need a plan and a leader in the world with a public goal in a specific time frame,” Aldrin said. “The dream of reaching Mars seems to be coming a little closer, particularly with the lander now on the surface”.

Aldrin outlined his plans for his cycler spacecraft which could be used to visit Mars. “Many people believe this is one of the best transportation systems…we can get there but we need global co-operation in order to achieve this,” the former astronaut stated. Aldrin said it was important for the USA to stay ahead of the game, although a space race to Mars was not the answer.

“When a team works together, the world can achieve the next possible dream,” Aldrin commented.

Delegates were also treated to an insight of the Apollo 11 mission, the first landing on the Moon.

The conference, attended by PEN, is joint-hosted by the Irish Council Presidency and the European Parliament.