What happened to Michael Collins after Apollo 11?

Introduction

Michael Collins was an integral part of one of humanity’s most significant achievements – the Apollo 11 mission. As an astronaut for NASA, Collins played a crucial role in the first manned mission to land on the moon. His journey, both during and after Apollo 11, is a testament to his dedication and contribution to space exploration.

Michael Collins’ Role in Apollo 11

A photograph of Michael Collins donned in a spacesuit was captured on April 16, 1969, a mere three months prior to the Apollo 11 launch. Credit: NASA.
A photograph of Michael Collins donned in a spacesuit was captured on April 16, 1969, a mere three months prior to the Apollo 11 launch. Credit: NASA.

Collins was selected for the Apollo 11 mission after a rigorous preparation process. His primary responsibility was to pilot the Command Module, a role that, while less glamorous than walking on the moon, was essential to the mission’s success.

  • Preparation for the mission: Collins underwent intensive training to prepare for the mission. This included physical conditioning, technical training, and simulations of potential scenarios that could occur during the mission.
  • His specific duties during the mission: During the mission, Collins remained in lunar orbit in the Command Module while his fellow astronauts, Neil Armstrong, and Buzz Aldrin, descended to the lunar surface. His role was to maintain the systems of the Command Module and prepare for the return journey to Earth.
  • The significance of his role: Although Collins did not walk on the moon, his role was vital. Without his work piloting the Command Module, the lunar landing and safe return to Earth would not have been possible. His contributions underscore the importance of teamwork in achieving monumental goals.

The Apollo 11 Mission

On January 10, 1969, following their declaration as the main crew for the Apollo 11 Moon landing mission, astronauts Aldrin, Armstrong, and Collins stood side by side for a photo opportunity with journalists. Credit: NASA.
On January 10, 1969, following their declaration as the main crew for the Apollo 11 Moon landing mission, astronauts Aldrin, Armstrong, and Collins stood side by side for a photo opportunity with journalists. Credit: NASA.

The Apollo 11 mission was a landmark event in human history. It marked the first time humans had ever set foot on another celestial body and returned safely to Earth.

  • The launch and journey to the moon: On July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The journey to the moon took approximately three days. During this time, Collins and his crewmates checked systems and prepared for the lunar landing.
  • The lunar landing: On July 20, Armstrong and Aldrin, in the Lunar Module, descended to the moon’s surface. Collins, in the Command Module, remained in lunar orbit. He was in constant communication with both his crewmates on the moon and mission control on Earth.
  • The return to Earth: After approximately 21.5 hours on the lunar surface, Armstrong and Aldrin rejoined Collins in the Command Module. They then began the journey back to Earth, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean on July 24. The successful completion of the mission marked a new era in space exploration.

For more detailed information about Michael Collins and the Apollo 11 mission, you can visit NASA’s biography of Michael Collins and Details of the Apollo 11 mission.

Life After Apollo 11

Armstrong and Collins, the astronauts from Apollo 11, made their arrival at the NAR facility located in Downey. Credit: NASA.
Armstrong and Collins, the astronauts from Apollo 11, made their arrival at the NAR facility located in Downey. Credit: NASA.

Immediate Aftermath of Apollo 11

The success of Apollo 11 was met with global acclaim. As the astronauts returned to Earth, they were hailed as heroes. Amidst the public celebration, Michael Collins had his own personal reflections on the mission.

  • Public reaction and recognition: The Apollo 11 mission was celebrated worldwide. Collins, along with Armstrong and Aldrin, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. They were honored in parades, and their achievement was recognized by various institutions and governments globally.
  • Collins’ personal feelings and reflections on the mission: Despite public recognition, Collins remained humble about his role in the mission. He often emphasized the teamwork that made the mission possible and expressed a deep sense of satisfaction and gratitude for having been part of this historic event.

Collins’ Career Post-Apollo 11

On April 15, 1969, during a launch countdown demonstration test, Apollo 11 commander Neil Armstrong led the way down a corridor, followed by Michael Collins and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, who was partially obscured behind Collins. Credit: NASA.
On April 15, 1969, during a launch countdown demonstration test, Apollo 11 commander Neil Armstrong led the way down a corridor, followed by Michael Collins and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, who was partially obscured behind Collins. Credit: NASA.

After Apollo 11, Collins made the decision to retire from NASA. He went on to serve in various roles that allowed him to continue contributing to the field of space exploration.

  • His decision to leave NASA: In 1970, Collins decided to retire from NASA. He felt that he had accomplished his goal with the successful completion of the Apollo 11 mission.
  • His role at the Smithsonian Institution: After leaving NASA, Collins served as the Director of the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. He played a key role in the establishment of the museum, which is now one of the most visited museums in the world.
  • His work as an aerospace consultant: In the 1980s, Collins worked as an aerospace consultant, providing his expertise to various organizations in the field.

Personal Life and Death

In their Texas residence, Michael Collins and his wife Pat were captured sharing a meal together. Photo credit goes to Ralph Morse/Life Pictures/Shutterstock.
In their Texas residence, Michael Collins and his wife Pat were captured sharing a meal together. Photo credit goes to Ralph Morse/Life Pictures/Shutterstock.

Beyond his professional life, Collins was a devoted family man. He passed away in 2021, leaving behind a significant legacy.

  • Family life: Collins and his wife, Patricia, had three children. They lived in Florida and North Carolina, enjoying a quiet life away from the public eye.
  • His death and legacy: Collins passed away in April 2021. His contributions to space exploration and his role in the Apollo 11 mission continue to be celebrated. His life serves as an inspiration for those who aspire to explore the cosmos.
An image of Michael Collins, an astronaut from the Apollo and Gemini missions, was displayed next to a commemorative wreath at a ceremony held at the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex on April 30, 2021. Collins, who served as the command module pilot on Apollo 11 - the first mission to land astronauts on the moon, passed away on April 28, 2021. Photo credit: NASA
An image of Michael Collins, an astronaut from the Apollo and Gemini missions, was displayed next to a commemorative wreath at a ceremony held at the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex on April 30, 2021. Collins, who served as the command module pilot on Apollo 11 – the first mission to land astronauts on the moon, passed away on April 28, 2021.
Photo credit: NASA

Conclusion

The impact of Collins’ work on space exploration is immeasurable. His role in the Apollo 11 mission helped humanity achieve a long-held dream of reaching the moon. 

Even after leaving NASA, he continued to contribute to the field, inspiring future generations of explorers. His enduring legacy is a testament to his dedication, humility, and commitment to exploration and discovery.

FAQ

  1. What are 2 interesting facts about Michael Collins?
    • Michael Collins was part of the historic Apollo 11 mission, but unlike his crewmates, he never set foot on the moon. Instead, he piloted the Command Module in lunar orbit.
    • After leaving NASA, Collins served as the Director of the National Air and Space Museum, contributing significantly to its establishment.
  2. What are some fun facts about Michael Collins astronaut?
    • During the Apollo 11 mission, Collins earned the nickname “the loneliest man in history” because he orbited the moon alone while his crewmates walked on its surface.
    • Collins was born in Rome, Italy, where his father was stationed as a United States Army Major General.
  3. Why is Michael Collins often called the forgotten astronaut?
    • Collins is often referred to as the “forgotten astronaut” because, unlike his Apollo 11 crewmates, he didn’t walk on the moon. While Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were on the lunar surface, Collins remained in orbit around the moon in the Command Module.
  4. What was the highlight of the mission for Michael Collins?
    • For Collins, a significant highlight of the Apollo 11 mission was successfully reuniting with Armstrong and Aldrin after their lunar excursion. His precise piloting of the Command Module was crucial for the safe return journey to Earth.
  5. What was Michael Collins’ job on Apollo 11?
    • Collins’ primary role on the Apollo 11 mission was to pilot the Command Module. While Armstrong and Aldrin descended to the moon’s surface, Collins remained in lunar orbit, ensuring the Command Module was ready for their return and the subsequent journey back to Earth.

In the Apollo 11 mission, Michael Collins worked closely with his fellow astronauts, including Neil Armstrong. While Collins piloted the Command Module in lunar orbit, Armstrong made history by becoming the first person to walk on the moon. Much like Collins, Armstrong’s life after Apollo 11 was also filled with significant achievements and contributions to space exploration. You can learn more about Armstrong’s post-Apollo 11 life in our detailed article, What Happened to Neil Armstrong After Apollo 11?

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