In a first-ever appearance at the world-renowned space museum, Buzz Aldrin, an American astronaut and one of the first 
men to walk on the Moon, will visit the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center Saturday, August 24, 2013, and will be signing his book, Mission to Mars.
As well as a pioneering astronaut who was the 2nd person to step foot on the moon, Aldrin is an aerospace engineer who designed an orbital rendezvous technique critical to future planetary landings. In his book, he proposes that humans could be taken to Mars by 2035.
“It will be a great honor to welcome Aldrin, a pioneer of space exploration, to share his vision and advocacy to push toward new boundaries,” said Richard Hollowell, Cosmosphere CEO. “At the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, our mission is to ‘honor the past and inspire the future of space exploration.’ We do this on a daily basis as we welcome visitors to our Hall of Space galleries, educate and entertain children on field trips and, through our STEM-based Camp KAOS programs. Aldrin’s visit places a very large exclamation point on the importance of our mission.”
Aldrin will be appearing August 24, 2013, from 1pm to 3pm in the Hall of Space Museum’s Apollo Gallery to sign copies of Mission to Mars. Visitors must purchase a copy/copies of Mission to Mars at the Cosmosphere. A Hall of Space admission is also required. Advance purchases of Mission to Mars will also require a receipt and advance orders will be available for pickup at the signing.
The book has received many positive reviews from the science community.
“Colonizing space is essential for the long-term survival of the human race, and this book shows us how.” —Stephen Hawking
“Any time an Apollo-era astronaut steps forward with ideas for our future in space, it’s time to stop whatever we’re doing and pay attention. Buzz Aldrin, one of the first moonwalkers, has no shortage of these ideas. And in Mission to Mars he treats us to how, when, and why we should travel there.” —Neil deGrasse Tyson
“Page by page, this book makes you want to slide into your space suit and light your engines.” —Bill Nye, The Science Guy®
Books may be purchased in advance by calling (620) 662.2305 x350 or (800) 397.0330 x350, at the Cargo Bay Gift Store, or online at the Cargo Bay Gift Store. Estimated arrival of books is August 1