Michael Collins remains a figure often overshadowed by his comrades Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, although he played a decisive role during the iconic Apollo 11 mission. As command module pilot, he made the bold choice to remain in lunar orbit while his companions set foot on lunar soil in 1969. Originally from Rome and initiated into the mysteries of military aviation, his career led him to become one of the pioneers of space exploration. Collins is recognized not only for his exceptional skills as a test pilot, but also for his silent contribution to one of the most defining achievements in human history.
Within the mission Apollo 11, which marked a historic turning point in space exploration, Michael Collins often remains the least recognized astronaut of the three pioneers. While Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin etch their names in the history books as the first men to set foot on the lunar soil, Collins played an equally crucial, but less flamboyant, role.
Born in 1930 in Rome, into a diplomatic family, Michael Collins became a pillar of the NASA after serving as a test pilot in the US Army. Aboard the command module, he suggested navigation for the crew while his comrades explored the lunar surface. It was an emotional challenge, as he faced solitude, circling the Moon, waiting for his companions to return.
Despite the weight of his task, Collins has always maintained an impressive humility. He often defined himself as the “third man”, aware that his mission was just as essential but often overshadowed, thus recalling the crucial importance of each member of the crew in the space adventure. His legacy encourages recognition of the quiet commitment and dedication that was at the heart of this conquest of space.
Michael Collins: the little-known pilot of Apollo 11
Michael Collins, considered the third man of the famous Apollo 11 mission, is undoubtedly one of the pioneers ofspace exploration. Born on October 31, 1930 in Rome, Italy, into a family where diplomacy was a family profession, he quickly developed a passion for the sky and aviation. This passion led him to serve as a test pilot in the United States Army, where he accumulated more than 3000 flight hours.
Collins’ career really took off when he was selected by the NASA in the 1960s, joining the prestigious astronaut corps. His first mission in space was the mission Gemini 10, where he demonstrated his exceptional navigation and piloting skills. However, it was during the Apollo 11 mission, which took place in July 1969, that his role would prove particularly significant.
Apollo 11 was a historic mission during which astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first men to walk on the Moon. Meanwhile, Michael Collins, as pilot of the control module, remained in lunar orbit, achieving a feat little recognized within popular culture. Indeed, he had to face solitude and isolation several hundred kilometers above his comrades, awaiting their return while navigating the unknown. This choice to remain in orbit to ensure the operation and safety of the spacecraft is a testament to his professionalism and dedication.
Unfortunately, after the Apollo 11 mission, Michael Collins was often overshadowed by his teammates, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, who received significant media attention. Despite this, Collins has established his own path, becoming a passionate spokesperson for space exploration and promoting initiatives to raise public awareness of the infinite potential of space travel.
His journey into space, however, was not his only accomplishment. Collins was also distinguished by his contributions after his astronaut career, notably as a writer and responsible for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, where he was able to share his passion for the history of aeronautics and space. In 2021, at the age of 90, he succumbed to cancer, leaving behind an indelible legacy in the field ofaeronautics.
Michael Collins will be remembered as an unsung hero of the Apollo 11 mission. He embodied teamwork and sacrifice, having played a crucial role in one of humankind’s most ambitious endeavors. His unique experience in lunar orbit, far from the spotlight, but essential to the success of Apollo 11, deserves to be celebrated. For those interested in learning more about the role of his teammates, you can find out more about Neil Armstrong here and on Buzz Aldrin here.
