Former astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Chris Hadfield share words with Alberta crowd

LETHBRIDGE, Alta. – Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin says it’s critical for space exploration to continue and he will work towards that goal.

Aldrin and retired Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield were speakers Tuesday at a management development lecture in Lethbridge, Alta.

Aldrin, 85, was among the first people in space in the 1960s and the second person to walk on the moon as part of the historic NASA Apollo 11 moon landing mission in July 1969.

He says he’s hopeful that one day there will be a manned base on the moon and a manned mission to Mars.

Hadfield was inspired to become an astronaut by Aldrin and Neil Armstrong’s moon walk. He was the first Canadian to command the International Space Station during his six-month mission from December 2012 to May 2013.

He also flew aboard the Space Shuttle and completed two walks in space.

Hadfield said the skills needed in space are similar to what business leaders need.

“To challenge yourself to do something that is extremely technically complex, but also has huge repercussions if you don’t do it right, that takes a really complex set of skills and develop methods of dealing with things,” he said.

Aldrin said he believes problems on Earth can be worked out by countries working together in space.

“I have stuck with a desire for a better space program. I took an obligation to serve my country and that has extended to the space-faring world, resolving frictions by working together in space.”

(CJOC)