Buzz Aldrin leaves New Zealand after South Pole evacuation

Published On: December 9, 2016 01:55 PM NPT By: Associated Press

In this Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, photo provided by Christina Korp, right, Buzz Aldrin lies in a hospital bed in Christchurch, New Zealand. Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, was evacuated from the South Pole to New Zealand where he was hospitalized in stable condition. Photo: AP

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Dec 9: Buzz Aldrin has been discharged from a New Zealand hospital and appears to be heading home a week after he was evacuated from the South Pole for medical reasons.

Aldrin's manager, Christina Korp, posted a photo on Twitter on Friday showing the former U.S. astronaut relaxing and smiling on an airplane with the message "Bye Bye New Zealand!"

Aldrin said earlier he was eager to return to his home in Satellite Beach, Florida, to spend Christmas with his family.

Aldrin was the second man to walk on the moon. The 86-year-old adventurer was evacuated from Antarctica after getting short of breath and showing signs of altitude sickness.

Earlier Friday, Aldrin posted a tribute from his hospital bed to former astronaut and senator John Glenn, who died Thursday aged 95.