Apple WWDC 2011: Astronaut Buzz Aldrin To Discuss Space Journeys, iPhone App

While the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference which kicked off today in San Francisco is all about innovations in the company's operating systems, there is a literary element to the proceedings as well, as Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin speaks Friday on his space journeys.

Aldrin, the second man to step on the moon in 1969, wrote Magnificent Desolation: The Long Journey Home from the Moon, an account of the trials he faced after he returned to Earth an American hero, found he had little to do for NASA beyond PR, and struggled with depression and alcoholism. The book, written with Ken Abraham, was published in 2009.

During his lunchtime talk at WWDC 2011 on Friday, Aldrin will share his experiences in space, the role technology played in the first moon landing, and the inspiration which drove him to introduce the Buzz Aldrin Portal to Science and Space Exploration app, according to Apple.

Aldrin has written a slew of books, including Return to Earth, his 1973 autobiography that was a precursor to Magnificent Desolation; Men From Earth (1997); Encounter with Tiber (1997) and The Return (2001), two science fiction novels with John Barnes; and a pair of illustrated children's books, Reaching for the Moon (2008) and Look to the Stars (2009), with Wendell Minor.

Where do you think Aldrin hit the target in his book journeys, and where did he misfire? Let us know by joining the conversation in the comments below.

Edward B. Colby is the Books section editor of the International Business Times. He can be reached at e.colby@ibtimes.com.