Description:
(NASA Astronaut, Command Module Pilot for Apollo 11 (the spaceflight that landed the first humans on the Moon))
Michael Collins was one of the three astronauts, who worked on the ‘Apollo 11’ mission, which made the first lunar landing, one of the biggest events in history of mankind. While his colleagues, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped on the moon, Collins was the command module pilot of the mission, who orbited around the moon. After an initial rejection, Collins was chosen by NASA to be a part of the ‘Astronaut Group 3’. His first spaceflight assignment was the ‘Gemini 10’ mission, during which he performed the spacewalk. Michael Collins was an army man, before he joined NASA. He graduated from the United States Military Academy, after which he joined the United States Air Force and was commissioned to the Chambley-Bussieres Air Base, France. He received numerous honours and decorations including, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, Collier Trophy, the Hubbard Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom among many others. After he retired from NASA, he became Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs in the Department of State. He later established his own consulting business.
Birthday
October 31, 1930 (Scorpio)
Born In
Italy
Alternative names
Mike Collins
City
Rome, Italy
Died on
April 28, 2021
Spouse/Ex-
Patricia M. Finnegan
Parents
James Lawton Collins
Virginia Stewart Collins
Relatives
James Lawton Collins
What role did Michael Collins play in the Apollo 11 mission?
Michael Collins was the Command Module Pilot for Apollo 11, orbiting the Moon while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on its surface.
How long did Michael Collins spend in space during the Apollo 11 mission?
Michael Collins spent a total of 21 hours and 36 minutes in lunar orbit while his colleagues were on the Moon.
Did Michael Collins ever walk on the Moon?
No, Michael Collins did not walk on the Moon. He remained in the Command Module while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made the historic moonwalk.
What was Michael Collins' role in NASA after the Apollo 11 mission?
After the Apollo 11 mission, Michael Collins served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and later as the Director of the National Air and Space Museum.
Did Michael Collins write any books about his experiences in space?
Yes, Michael Collins wrote a memoir titled "Carrying the Fire: An Astronaut's Journeys," where he detailed his experiences as an astronaut, including the Apollo 11 mission.