MP Philip Dunne's delight at meeting Buzz Aldrin
A Shropshire MP has spoken of his delight after meeting legendary lunar astronaut Buzz Aldrin.
Ludlow MP Philip Dunne got to meet Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, in his new capacity as Defence Minister.
The 84-year-old astronaut spent a total of 12 days, one-hour and 52 minutes in space on two separate missions.
He made history as part of the first manned lunar landing on July 20, 1969. Aldrin was the second person to set foot on the moon following just minutes after commander of the Apollo 11 mission, Neil Armstrong.
Mr Dunne met Mr Aldrin in London where the pair spoke about the future of space exploration and 'space security' – which forms part of Mr Dunne's portfolio.
Aldrin was in London to advance the cause for continued human space exploration for which he is seeking to establish international support.
Mr Dunne said: "It was a fascinating opportunity to meet the second man to have walked on the moon and to hear his thoughts about how expanding our knowledge of space can improve life here on earth.
"The UK plays a significant part in the space industry, with innovation in satellite communications and technology."
