Michael Collins: The Forgotten Astronaut Who Made History

On April 28th, 2021, the world lost Michael Collins, an astronaut whose contributions to one of humanity's greatest achievements have often been overshadowed. Collins, the command module pilot for Apollo 11, played a crucial role in the historic 1969 moon landing mission, even though his name is less widely recognized than those of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. While Armstrong and Aldrin made their famous moonwalk, Collins remained alone in the Command Module, orbiting the moon for 28 hours. His experience, though less celebrated, was integral to the success of the mission and provided a unique perspective on solitude, duty, and exploration.

 The Man Who Orbited the Moon

Michael Collins was born on October 31, 1930, in Rome, Italy, to a military family. His early life was marked by frequent moves, which fostered in him a sense of independence and a love of adventure. After graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Collins chose a career in the Air Force, eventually becoming a test pilot. His skill and dedication led to his selection as an astronaut in 1963, joining NASA at a time when the space race with the Soviet Union was at its peak.

Collins first flew into space on Gemini 10 in 1966, where he performed a spacewalk and conducted important rendezvous maneuvers. But it was his role in Apollo 11 that would forever define his legacy. As the command module pilot, Collins was responsible for the spacecraft that would take the astronauts to the moon and return them safely to Earth. Unlike Armstrong and Aldrin, who would descend to the lunar surface, Collins would remain in lunar orbit, piloting the command module, Columbia.

 The Loneliest Human

While Armstrong and Aldrin made history by setting foot on the moon, Collins found himself in a unique position—alone in the command module, orbiting 60 miles above the lunar surface. For 28 hours, he was completely isolated, especially during the 48 minutes of each orbit when Columbia passed behind the moon, cutting off all communication with Earth. During these periods, he became the most isolated human in history, separated from any other living being by a distance of nearly 240,000 miles.

Yet, despite this isolation, Collins did not feel lonely. In his autobiography, Carrying the Fire, he wrote about his time in lunar orbit with a sense of peace and fulfillment. "I had this beautiful little domain. It was all mine. I was the emperor, the captain of it, and it was quite commodious. I had warm coffee, even." His words reflect a man who was not only comfortable with solitude but who also understood the significance of his role in the mission.

 The Forgotten Astronaut

Despite his critical role in the success of Apollo 11, Collins often referred to himself as the "forgotten astronaut." While half a billion people on Earth watched in awe as Armstrong took his first steps on the moon, Collins remained out of sight and out of mind, his work behind the scenes vital but invisible. He was acutely aware of this dynamic, yet he harbored no resentment. Instead, he took pride in being part of a team that achieved something extraordinary. 

Collins’ humility and his understanding of the broader picture are perhaps what set him apart. He recognized that space exploration was not about individual glory but about pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and capability. He once said, "I know that I would be a liar or a fool if I said that I have the best of the three Apollo 11 seats, but I can say with truth and equanimity that I am perfectly satisfied with the one I have."

 A Legacy of Exploration

Michael Collins’ passing in 2021 marked the end of a life dedicated to exploration and service. While he may be less remembered than his colleagues Armstrong and Aldrin, his contributions to the Apollo 11 mission were no less significant. Collins was a man who embraced his role, no matter how solitary, and in doing so, ensured the success of one of humanity's most significant achievements. His story serves as a reminder that exploration is a collective endeavor, and every role, whether in the spotlight or in the shadows, is essential to its success.