Would Buzz Aldrin Have Been a Better Apollo 11 Commander Than Neil Armstrong?

The selection of Neil Armstrong as the command pilot of Apollo 11 is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in the history of space exploration. However, an intriguing question remains: would Buzz Aldrin have been a better choice for the command pilot role given Neil Armstrong's inherent public reticence?

Leadership and Experience

Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong possessed extensive flight experience, including roles as a test pilot and a Gemini mission commander. His calm demeanor and decision-making skills under pressure were crucial during the Apollo 11 landing, especially during the critical final descent where fuel shortages posed a significant challenge.

Buzz Aldrin

Buzz Aldrin was also highly qualified, serving as the lunar module pilot for Apollo 11 and having a background in engineering and combat flying. Known for his technical expertise, Aldrin played a vital role in the mission’s success, particularly in the lunar module operations.

Public Persona

Neil Armstrong

Armstrong's reticence and humility were often viewed as a limitation in terms of public communication. However, his calm and composed demeanor contributed to a sense of gravitas and seriousness that many admired. His famous quote, “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind,” resonated deeply with the public, highlighting Neil's ability to convey the mission's significance.

Buzz Aldrin

Aldrin was more outspoken and charismatic, qualities that could have made him a more engaging public figure. His enthusiasm for space exploration and his continued advocacy for space travel and education have made him a prominent voice in the space community.

Conclusion

While Aldrin’s outgoing personality might have made him a more visible and relatable figure in the public eye, Neil Armstrong's leadership capabilities and his ability to handle high-pressure situations were essential for the successful execution of Apollo 11. The selection of Armstrong was likely based on a combination of his leadership qualities, extensive experience, and the need for a calm, composed presence during one of humanity's most significant achievements.

In hindsight, it is challenging to definitively say that Aldrin would have been a better choice, as Armstrong's leadership was pivotal to the mission's success.