Buzz Aldrin, the famed astronaut who was the second man to walk on the moon, endorsed former President Donald Trump’s reelection Thursday, saying he supports the Republican presidential nominee “for the future of our country [and] to meet enormous challenges.”

“In this election, we have a choice and we all have one vote. For some, the choice may not be easy – but in times of uncertainty real leaders are most needed – to guide and inspire a people, to push through the noise, recognize what really matters, and accomplish missions critical to all citizens,” Aldrin posted to X.

“Most Americans rightly consider it an honor to cast their vote for a leader they believe will best serve the nation. For me, for the future of our country, to meet enormous challenges, and for the proven policy accomplishments above, I believe we are best served by voting for Donald Trump. I wholeheartedly endorse him for President of the United States. Godspeed President Trump, and God Bless the United States of America.”

Aldrin, a Korean War veteran and former United States Air Force fighter pilot, was instrumental in the success of NASA’s Apollo program. “I am proud of what we accomplished then and I have dedicated my life to the pursuit of an enduring human presence in space – it is a calling that runs through every fiber of my being,” Aldrin wrote.

He noted that “under the first Trump Administration, I was impressed to see how human space exploration was elevated as a policy of high importance again. Under President Trump’s first term, America saw a revitalized interest in Space, and his Administration reignited national efforts to get back to the Moon, and push on to Mars.” Aldrin also wrote that he has “been enthused and excited by the great advancements in the private sector space economy, led by visionaries like Elon Musk.” Under Trump's first term, he also launched the Space Force, the latest branch of the US military.

Aldrin said he is backing Trump because the “Presidency requires clarity in judgment, decisiveness, and calm under pressure that few have a natural ability to manage, or the life experience to successfully undertake” while it also demands “sober analysis of frightening scenarios, and the instinct to lead with resolve.”