# Michael Collins

> American astronaut (1930–2021)

**Wikidata**: [Q104859](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q104859)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Collins_(astronaut))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/michael-collins

## Summary

Michael Collins (1930–2021) was an American astronaut and test pilot who served as the command module pilot for Apollo 11, the first mission to land humans on the Moon. While Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin walked on the lunar surface, Collins remained in lunar orbit, becoming the only human to orbit the Moon alone during the historic 1969 mission. He was also a decorated military officer, test pilot, and later served as Director of the National Air and Space Museum.

## Biography

- **Born:** October 31, 1930
- **Died:** April 28, 2021
- **Nationality:** American (United States)
- **Education:** 
  - United States Military Academy (West Point)
  - Harvard Business School
  - U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School
  - St. Albans School (Washington, D.C.)
- **Known for:** Command module pilot for Apollo 11; the only astronaut to orbit the Moon alone while colleagues walked on the lunar surface
- **Employer(s):** 
  - National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
  - United States Air Force
  - Smithsonian Institution (as Director of the National Air and Space Museum)
- **Field(s):** Astronautics, Space exploration, Aviation, Military aviation

## Contributions

Michael Collins made numerous significant contributions across aviation and space exploration:

- **Apollo 11 Mission (1969):** Served as command module pilot for the first Moon landing mission. While Armstrong and Aldrin descended to the lunar surface in the Lunar Module "Eagle," Collins remained alone in the command module "Columbia" orbiting the Moon. He completed one orbit every two hours, conducting observations and maintaining communication with Earth. This made him the most isolated human in history at that point—approximately 3,950 km from his crewmates during their lunar EVA.

- **Discovery of Armalcolite:** During the Apollo 11 mission, Collins helped identify the mineral armalcolite (a titanium-rich oxide), which was later named in honor of the Apollo 11 crew (ARmstrong, ALdrin, and COLlins). This mineral was subsequently found in lunar samples and later discovered in terrestrial locations.

- **Lunar Orbital Science:** Conducted extensive observations and photography of the lunar surface during his solo orbits, contributing to scientific understanding of the Moon's geography and composition.

- **Smithsonian Leadership:** Served as Director of the National Air and Space Museum (part of the Smithsonian Institution), helping shape one of the world's most visited museum collections focused on aviation and space exploration.

- **Test Pilot Career:** Graduated from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and conducted numerous test flights, evaluating new aircraft performance and safety characteristics.

- **Author:** Wrote his autobiography and other works documenting his experiences in aviation and space exploration.

## FAQs

**What was Michael Collins's role in Apollo 11?**
Michael Collins served as the command module pilot for Apollo 11. While Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon, Collins remained in lunar orbit aboard the command module "Columbia," making him the only human to be completely alone on the far side of the Moon during the mission.

**What awards did Michael Collins receive?**
Collins received numerous prestigious awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Congressional Gold Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, NASA Distinguished Service Medal, NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. He was also inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame.

**What was Michael Collins's military background?**
Collins was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and became a U.S. Air Force test pilot. He attended the prestigious U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and logged thousands of flight hours testing advanced aircraft before joining NASA's astronaut corps.

**Where did Michael Collins work after NASA?**
After retiring from NASA, Collins served as Director of the National Air and Space Museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. He also held positions at the Harvard Business School and was involved in various corporate boards.

**What is named after Michael Collins?**
The lunar crater "Collins" on the Moon is named in his honor. Additionally, the mineral armalcolite, discovered during Apollo 11, contains his name (along with Armstrong and Aldrin).

**What was Michael Collins's educational background?**
Collins attended St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, earned an MBA from Harvard Business School, and completed training at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School.

## Why They Matter

Michael Collins matters as one of the pioneers of human spaceflight who played a critical role in the success of Apollo 11, the most significant achievement in space exploration history. While his name is less widely recognized than Armstrong and Aldrin, his role was equally essential—without a command module pilot maintaining orbit and communication, the lunar landing would have been impossible.

Collins represents the often-overlooked contributors to space exploration who performed vital functions away from the spotlight. His solo orbit of the Moon placed him at extreme distance from humanity—farther than any human had ever been from Earth—demonstrating remarkable psychological resilience and operational competence.

His post-NASA career at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum helped shape how millions of visitors understand and appreciate aviation and space history. As a museum director, he influenced public education about the very field he helped pioneer.

As a test pilot, Collins contributed to aviation safety and advancement by evaluating new aircraft systems. His combination of military service, academic achievement (Harvard MBA), and hands-on space experience made him a unique figure bridging military aviation, commercial aviation, and space exploration.

## Notable For

- **Apollo 11 Command Module Pilot:** The only human to orbit the Moon alone during the first lunar landing mission (July 1969)
- **First Person to Travel to the Far Side of the Moon:** During his solo orbits, Collins was beyond communication with Earth on the lunar far side
- **Presidential Medal of Freedom:** Received America's highest civilian honor
- **Congressional Gold Medal:** Awarded by the United States Congress for his contributions to space exploration
- **National Aviation Hall of Fame Inductee:** Recognized for outstanding achievements in aviation
- **Smithsonian Director:** Led the National Air and Space Museum, one of the world's most visited museums
- **Discovery of Armalcolite:** Lunar mineral named in part for Collins
- **Lunar Crater Named After Him:** The Collins crater on the Moon bears his name
- **Hollywood Walk of Fame Star:** Received a star for his contributions to the entertainment industry
- **Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy Recipient:** Recognized for significant contributions to aviation

## Body

### Early Life and Education

Michael Collins was born on October 31, 1930, into a military family. His early years were shaped by his father's career in the Army, which required the family to move frequently. This exposure to military life and discipline would later influence his decision to pursue a career in the armed forces.

Collins attended St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., a prestigious preparatory school that would provide him with the academic foundation for his future endeavors. After completing his secondary education, he received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Following his graduation from West Point, Collins pursued flight training and earned his pilot wings. He then served as a combat pilot in the United States Air Force, gaining valuable experience in military aviation operations.

Recognizing the importance of advanced education, Collins later enrolled at Harvard Business School, where he earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. This combination of military training and business education would prove invaluable in his later career managing complex technical programs.

### Military Career and Test Pilot Training

Collins became a test pilot after attending the prestigious U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base. This advanced training program was renowned for producing the elite aviators who would push the boundaries of flight testing new and experimental aircraft.

As a test pilot, Collins was responsible for evaluating the performance, handling characteristics, and safety of new aircraft designs. This role required exceptional flying skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to make critical assessments under challenging conditions. His work as a test pilot demonstrated his ability to handle high-risk situations and contributed to aviation safety improvements.

### NASA Astronaut Career

Collins was selected as part of NASA Astronaut Group 3 in 1963, joining the ranks of NASA's third group of astronauts. This selection came during a period of intense competition in the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Before his Apollo 11 mission, Collins flew on several space missions gaining experience in spaceflight operations. He served as a pilot on various missions that prepared him for the complexities of lunar orbit operations.

### Apollo 11: The Historic Mission

The Apollo 11 mission, launched on July 16, 1969, represented the culmination of years of preparation and the achievement of President John F. Kennedy's goal of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to Earth.

As command module pilot, Collins was responsible for operating the "Columbia" command module while his crewmates descended to the lunar surface in the "Eagle" lunar module. His duties included maintaining the spacecraft's systems, conducting scientific observations, and serving as the communication link between the lunar surface and Earth.

During the mission, Collins completed multiple orbits of the Moon, observing and photographing the lunar surface for scientific purposes. At various points during the mission, he was on the far side of the Moon, completely out of communication with Earth—a distance of approximately 3,950 km from Armstrong and Aldrin. This made him the most isolated human being in history at that time.

The mission lasted approximately 8 days, 3 hours, and 18 minutes. Collins's performance was critical to the mission's success, as the command module served as the lifeline for the lunar landing and return journey.

### Scientific Contributions

During Apollo 11, Collins participated in the discovery of the mineral armalcolite, a titanium-rich oxide found in lunar samples. This mineral was subsequently named in honor of the three Apollo 11 crew members (Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins). Armalcolite was later found in terrestrial locations, including in Oregon and Greenland, expanding understanding of high-temperature mineral formation.

Collins also contributed to lunar science through his observations and photography during his solo orbits. His detailed documentation of lunar terrain helped scientists better understand the Moon's geography and geological features.

### Post-NASA Career

After retiring from active spaceflight, Collins transitioned to leadership roles in aviation and space organizations. Most notably, he served as Director of the National Air and Space Museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Under his leadership, the museum continued to expand its collections and educational programs, inspiring millions of visitors about aviation and space exploration.

Collins also served on various corporate boards and maintained involvement in aerospace industry consulting. His business education from Harvard and his technical experience made him valuable in advisory roles.

### Personal Life and Legacy

Collins was known for his thoughtful, introspective nature—a quality that served him well during the isolated portions of his lunar mission. He authored several books documenting his experiences, including his autobiography, providing valuable insights into the human aspects of space exploration.

He married Patricia (Pat) Collins, and the couple had three children. His family provided support throughout his demanding career.

Collins received numerous awards recognizing his contributions to aviation and space exploration, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Congressional Gold Medal, and induction into multiple halls of fame. His legacy extends through the lunar features named in his honor and through the inspiration he provided to future generations of astronauts and space enthusiasts.

### Death and Posthumous Recognition

Michael Collins passed away on April 28, 2021, at the age of 90. His death came after a battle with cancer. His legacy as a pioneering astronaut and advocate for space exploration continues to be honored through various memorials and educational programs.

The lunar crater Collins, located on the far side of the Moon, serves as a permanent tribute to his contributions to space exploration. His role in Apollo 11, though often less celebrated than his crewmates, remains essential to one of humanity's greatest achievements.

## References

1. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
2. [Michael Collins, ‘Third Man’ of the Moon Landing, Dies at 90. The New York Times. 2021](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/28/science/michael-collins-third-man-of-the-moon-landing-dies-at-90.html)
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8. [Source](https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47639)
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10. [Michael Collins. New Mexico Museum of Space History](https://www.nmspacemuseum.org/inductee/michael-collins/)
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17. [Muere Michael Collins, el astronauta que participó en la primera misión que pisó la Luna con el ‘Apolo 11′. El País](https://elpais.com/ciencia/2021-04-28/muere-michael-collins-el-astronauta-que-participo-en-la-primera-mision-que-piso-la-luna-con-el-apollo-11.html?ssm=TW_CM)
18. [Michael Collins (1930-2021) - Find a Grave Memorial](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/226135595/michael-collins)
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20. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
21. Open Library
22. [Source](https://planet4589.org/space/astro/rides.html)
23. [Source](https://www.npr.org/2021/04/28/509599284/forgotten-astronaut-michael-collins-dies)
24. [Jonathan's Space Pages](https://planet4589.org/space/astro/rides.html)
25. Quora
26. Via P227 lookup with GND value from PM20 folder. 20th Century Press Archives
27. The Movie Database
28. [Michael Collins | For All Mankind Wiki | Fandom](https://for-all-mankind.fandom.com/wiki/Michael_Collins)
29. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/michael-collins-107a9AzOBJ/appearances)
30. Catalogo of the National Library of India