Michael Collins (astronaut)
Apollo 11 astronaut who orbited the Moon alone.
He was also a test pilot and major general in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Born in Rome, where his father was serving as the U.S. military attaché, Collins graduated from the United States Military Academy and joined the Air Force, flying F-86 Sabre fighters and later becoming a test pilot.
- field
- Astronaut, test pilot, major general
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Apollo 11 command module pilot, orbiting the Moon alone
Lore & Background
Michael Collins was born in Rome, the second son of a U.S. Army officer. He lived in many places as a child, including Oklahoma, New York, Maryland, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Texas, and Virginia. Air Force, flying F-86 Sabre fighters at Chambley-Bussières Air Base, France. He was accepted into the U.S. He was the fourth person to perform a spacewalk and the first to perform more than one spacewalk.
Reader's Guide
Michael Collins is significant as the Apollo 11 command module pilot who remained in lunar orbit while his crewmates made the first Moon landing. His role ensured the mission's success by maintaining the spacecraft and performing the solo orbit. He also worked as vice president of LTV Aerospace and started his own consulting firm. His legacy includes being one of 24 Apollo astronauts to reach the Moon and the second person to orbit the Moon alone.
Did You Know?
- Collins was born in Rome, Italy, where his father was the U.S. military attaché.
- He was the fourth person and third American to perform a spacewalk.
- He converted to Catholicism before marrying Patricia Mary Finnegan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly did Michael Collins do during Apollo 11?
He flew the Columbia in lunar orbit for roughly 21 hours while Armstrong and Aldrin descended to the Sea of Tranquility. During that stretch he was completely by himself, unable to confirm whether his crewmates had landed safely, and he had to manage all communications with Mission Control.
What was Michael Collins' background before NASA?
After graduating from the United States Military Academy, he served in the Air Force flying F-86 Sabre jets and later transitioned into test-pilot work. That combination of military aviation experience and engineering skill made him a strong candidate for the astronaut corps.
Why is Michael Collins important in space history?
He is the only Apollo 11 crew member who never touched down on the Moon, yet his solo orbit was indispensable to the mission's overall success. His role reminds us that the first crewed lunar landing depended on a dedicated pilot keeping the command module safe and in contact with Earth.
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