5 Famous Astronauts Who Trained In Maryland Before Going To Space

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — Many Marylanders don’t realize it, but our state has been a haven for astronaut training throughout the last century. Dozens of well-known astronauts have trained at facilities like NAS Patuxent River in St. Mary’s County, offering them a wealth of knowledge and experience. If you’re a fan of all things outer space, here are five famous astronauts who trained in Maryland before going on to explore the solar system!

Alan Shepard

As the first American to travel to space and the fifth person to walk on the moon, Alan Shepard is renowned for multiple missions that took place over a period of many years. Not only did Shepard graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, but he also trained at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Southern Maryland in the 1950s.

Alan Shepard attended the Navy Test Pilot School at NAS Patuxent River, and the knowledge he gained in Maryland was likely invaluable during his trips to space. Alan Shepard is one of the most famous astronauts in history, and his educational roots in Maryland make him particularly legendary across our state.

Buzz Aldrin

Following Neil Armstrong’s historic stroll, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin was runner-up as the second person to walk on the moon. This astronaut participated in the Gemini 12 mission, as well as the Apollo 11 mission, affording him worldwide fame to this day and earning him a famous reference in the movie “Toy Story,” as Buzz Lightyear was actually named after Aldrin.

In 1966, Buzz Aldrin underwent zero-gravity training for the Gemini 12 mission in Owings Mills, Maryland, at the McDonogh School. Aldrin is just one of the dozens of astronauts who completed training in the Old Line State, but of the many, his name is the most recognizable.

Jim Lovell

Commander of the historic Apollo 13 mission, astronaut Jim Lovell orbited the moon and participated in multiple missions during his career as an astronaut. He spent many weeks in space throughout his life, affording him a legacy that will be remembered for centuries to come.

Lovell graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, then went on to complete test pilot training at NAS Patuxent River in St. Mary’s County, graduating as a top student in his class. Jim Lovell lived until 97 years old, passing away just last year, in August 2025.

John Young

John Young’s career as an astronaut allowed him to rise to notoriety after becoming the ninth person to walk on the surface of the moon during his involvement in the Apollo 16 mission. He was also a part of the Gemini 3 and Gemini 10 missions, and he was even the commander of the latter.

Young famously trained at the Navy Test Pilot School at NAS Patuxent River in St. Mary’s County. Plus, he spent a portion of his younger years in College Park. John Young found his roots in Maryland, making him one of the most noteworthy astronauts to train in our state.

John Glenn

John Glenn was the third American astronaut to go to space and the first American to orbit the Earth, forever earning him a place in the history books. At 77 years old, he traveled back into space once again, further enhancing his legacy as a seasoned space explorer.

Like many of the other astronauts on this list, Glenn trained at the Navy Test Pilot School at NAS Patuxent River, adding yet another notable name to the lineup of astronauts who trained in Southern Maryland’s own St. Mary’s County.

---