Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the Moon, is heading to Cork.

More than 300 space experts will attend the 30th Space Studies Program, hosted by International Space University (ISU), at Cork Institute of Technology.

It will run from June 26th to August 25th.

Among the highlights are a talk with Dr Aldrin, a robotics competition, as well as a number of events aimed at businesses looking to expand into the space industry.

An international astronaut panel, representing over 30 years of international spaceflight, will also be there to answer questions from the public.

And NASA astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman will discuss his involvement in the Hubble Space Telescope.

Other public lectures will ask if we are alone in the universe, and explore the possibilities of finding life beyond Earth.

Tickets for the events are free and available on a first come, first served basis.

Dr Aldrin said: “I’m looking forward to my time in Cork and hope to experience many of the exciting events while there.”

Dr Niall Smith is head of research at CIT: “We feel exceptionally honoured that Dr Aldrin has agreed to attend this unique event.

“He was an integral part of the most pioneering space programmes of their time having participated in both the Gemini and Apollo series of missions.

“He has continued his lifelong association with space in academia and in space engineering and is an ongoing inspiration to all of us who admire him for his brilliance and personal courage.

“When the current generation of space scientists speak of standing on the shoulders of giants, Buzz Aldrin is one of those giants.”