SAN DIEGO -- Hundreds of people gathered outside the San Diego Air & Space Museum Tuesday for a chance to meet the second human to set foot on the moon.

"My son's always wanted to be a pilot, and his dad is a pilot so it's a dream of his to maybe be an astronaut some day," said Jana, mother of two.

Many of all ages waited for hours for a once-in-a-lifetime experience to meet American astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

Aldrin opens up in his new memoir "Magnificent Desolation."

The title refers to the first words Aldrin used to describe the moon's strange new environment and mankind's accomplishments. In his book, Aldrin writes about his desire for the U.S. to lead a new mission beyond the moon, the space shuttle and space station.

"There's a lot of space out there beyond the moon. There's a whole new universe," said Aldrin.

Aldrin hopes the universe can be explored by the "average Joe," as he writes, and not just the rich.

"They'll be able to take a chance on a lottery, a non-transferable lottery for $100 a share investment," said Aldrin.

Aldrin also revealed his personal trials and triumphs once back on Earth.

He wrote: "My father was especially upset that I confessed to having periods of depression. … After all, my mother lived many of her days struggling with the effects of depression, and eventually ended her life rather than face another day."

"I turned to alcohol to ease my mind and see me through the rough times," said Aldrin. "My personal life is my life."

Aldrin's life includes being a tireless advocate for space education.

Aldrin's San Diego visit coincided with the opening of "Space: A Journey to Our Future," where visitors can create their own mission to Mars, experience a spaceflight and learn where we've been, where we are and where we're going in space exploration.

"Space: A Journey to Our Future" will be at the San Diego Air & Space Museum for a limited time.