Dr. Anca Faur, wife of legendary Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, has died at the age of 66 after a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by a close family friend, who described Faur’s journey as one marked by “remarkable courage and positivity.”
Faur passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by Aldrin and her son Vlad Ghenciu. Her death has left both the scientific and space communities mourning the loss of a visionary mind and compassionate leader.
Dr. Anca Faur died in late October 2025 after battling a rare cancer for several months, according to reports from People magazine.
Born in Romania and later based in California, Faur earned a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. She served as Executive Vice President of Buzz Aldrin Ventures LLC and treasurer of the California Hydrogen Business Council, where she advanced sustainable energy projects and hydrogen technology.
Faur and Aldrin married on January 20, 2023, the same day as his 93rd birthday. Their relationship, filled with mutual respect and admiration, became a public symbol of love, perseverance, and scientific partnership.
Reactions and Tributes
Aldrin’s representative issued a statement requesting privacy:
“Dr. Anca Aldrin, wife of astronaut Buzz Aldrin, peacefully passed away last night with her husband and her son by her side. Her family requests privacy in their time of mourning.”
Friends of the couple described Faur as a “quiet force of innovation and compassion.” One close acquaintance told People:
“I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a more positive and courageous and loving effort to live and fight for more time.”
Members of the scientific and aerospace communities have shared tributes on social media, remembering Faur as a trailblazer for women in STEM and a passionate advocate for clean energy.
Impact and Legacy
Faur’s passing marks a significant loss for the clean energy sector and the space science community. She was widely recognized for promoting hydrogen as a viable energy solution and encouraging the next generation of women engineers.
Her death also carries deep emotional weight for Buzz Aldrin, one of the last surviving Apollo 11 astronauts. A close friend noted,
“They were inseparable. He’s holding up, but this was tragic. He loves her to the ends of the world.”
Faur’s legacy will live on through her contributions to science and her enduring influence on Aldrin’s public and private life.
What’s Next
Buzz Aldrin and his family are expected to hold a private memorial service in Los Angeles in the coming weeks. Tributes and public statements from NASA and aerospace organizations are anticipated.
Supporters worldwide have begun calling for a scholarship or research fund in Faur’s name to promote cancer research and women in engineering.
Sources
People Magazine — Official confirmation of Anca Faur’s death
NASA Archives — Buzz Aldrin biographical reference
California Hydrogen Business Council — Faur’s professional role
Buzz Aldrin Ventures LLC — Company and career details
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