Pilot, astronaut and author Michael Collins passed away on Wednesday at the age of 90. Chosen as one of fourteen members of NASA’s third astronaut group in 1963, Collins first went to space as pilot of the 1966 Gemini 10 mission. He also flew the Apollo 11 mission, piloting the command module while crew members Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took the lunar module to the Moon’s surface. Over the course of his life, Collins, who spent a total of 266 hours in space, was awarded the Presidential Medal for Freedom, Robert J. Collier Trophy, Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy and Harmon International Trophy.
“Today the nation lost a true pioneer and lifelong advocate for exploration in astronaut Michael Collins,” said NASA Acting Administrator Steve Jurczyk. “NASA mourns the loss of this accomplished pilot and astronaut, a friend of all who seek to push the envelope of human potential. Whether his work was behind the scenes or on full view, his legacy will always be as one of the leaders who took America’s first steps into the cosmos.”
Collins was born Oct. 31, 1930, in Rome, Italy, and graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1952. He logged more than 4,200 hours flight time serving as a fighter pilot and test pilot at California’s Edwards Air Force Base. In 1970, he retired from the Air Force as a major general. After leaving NASA, Collins held positions including assistant secretary of state for public affairs, director of the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum and vice president of LTV Aerospace and Defense Co.
Such an outstanding pilot and person. He’s what hero’s should be.
In his memoir “Carrying the Fire” Major General Collins wrote, “I have been places and done things you simply would not believe. I feel like saying: I have dangled from a cord a hundred miles up; I have seen the earth eclipsed by the moon, and enjoyed it. I have seen the sun’s true light, unfiltered by any planet’s atmosphere. I have seen the ultimate black of infinity in a stillness undisturbed by any living thing.”
“I do have this secret,” he added, “this precious thing, that I will always carry with me.”
I will always carry great admiration for you, Sir. May Almighty God grant you the eternal wings that you rightfully deserve.
Read several Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo era books.. Mike Collins was always a “cool cucumber”, true hero and leader.. He made a ginormous contribution. Rest In Peace..
Vale Mr Collins you legend!
Rocket In Peace, Michael Collins.
A real American. A real astronaut. You will be remembered.
I had the great honor of meeting several astronauts and famed test pilots at Edwards AFB, where I was stationed during the Space Shuttle ALT Program. These people were exceptional professionals, and they worked tirelessly to advance aerospace technology. I did not meet Mr. Collins, but I know from my experience that the phrase “Right Stuff” would apply to his aeronautical acumen.