The often-unnoticed third astronaut of the Apollo 11 mission has shared his reflections following that extraordinary journey. When discussing NASA's Apollo 11 mission, most people remember Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. These two became iconic figures in human history as they were the first individuals to set foot on the Moon, experiencing its reduced gravity and collecting samples.
However, there was a third astronaut who traveled to the Moon but did not walk on its surface: Michael Collins, who operated the command module while Armstrong and Aldrin conducted their exploration.
During a 48-minute period, Collins became the most isolated person in the universe as the command module passed behind the Moon, out of communication with Earth. One remark about this experience suggested that no human had felt such profound isolation "since Adam." Yet, Collins himself stated that he did not experience loneliness.
Instead, he described feelings of "awareness, anticipation, satisfaction, confidence, and even exultation."
In a YouTube interview with 60 Minutes Australia, Collins reflected on his time in space, saying, "The food was awful, but I enjoyed my time behind the Moon. It’s a rugged and uncomfortable environment."
From this experience, he gained a significant realization: "Being very close to the Moon was impressive in many ways, but it pales in comparison to our home planet."
He elaborated, saying, "Earth was the center of attention. The blue of the oceans, the white of the clouds, and the small streaks of tan that represent our continents were striking."
Collins noted that Earth appeared "about the size of your thumbnail when you hold it out in front of you."
While orbiting the Moon, Collins monitored the lunar module on the surface and maintained communication with mission control. Although not as publicly recognized as Armstrong and Aldrin, Collins emphasized the importance of his role, asserting that someone needed to remain behind to facilitate the others' return.
Reflecting on the Apollo 11 mission, he stated, "This mission was designed for three men, and I view my role as equally vital as that of the other two."
Collins also expressed serious concerns for Armstrong and Aldrin's safety, fearing that if something went wrong, he would have to return to Earth alone and be regarded as a "marked man."
Fortunately, the mission concluded successfully, and all three astronauts returned together.
Collins left his mark inside the command module, inscribing: "Spacecraft 107 – alias Apollo 11 – alias Columbia. The best ship to come down the line. God Bless Her. Michael Collins, CMP."
However, there was a third astronaut who traveled to the Moon but did not walk on its surface: Michael Collins, who operated the command module while Armstrong and Aldrin conducted their exploration.
During a 48-minute period, Collins became the most isolated person in the universe as the command module passed behind the Moon, out of communication with Earth. One remark about this experience suggested that no human had felt such profound isolation "since Adam." Yet, Collins himself stated that he did not experience loneliness.
Instead, he described feelings of "awareness, anticipation, satisfaction, confidence, and even exultation."
In a YouTube interview with 60 Minutes Australia, Collins reflected on his time in space, saying, "The food was awful, but I enjoyed my time behind the Moon. It’s a rugged and uncomfortable environment."
From this experience, he gained a significant realization: "Being very close to the Moon was impressive in many ways, but it pales in comparison to our home planet."
He elaborated, saying, "Earth was the center of attention. The blue of the oceans, the white of the clouds, and the small streaks of tan that represent our continents were striking."
Collins noted that Earth appeared "about the size of your thumbnail when you hold it out in front of you."
While orbiting the Moon, Collins monitored the lunar module on the surface and maintained communication with mission control. Although not as publicly recognized as Armstrong and Aldrin, Collins emphasized the importance of his role, asserting that someone needed to remain behind to facilitate the others' return.
Reflecting on the Apollo 11 mission, he stated, "This mission was designed for three men, and I view my role as equally vital as that of the other two."
Collins also expressed serious concerns for Armstrong and Aldrin's safety, fearing that if something went wrong, he would have to return to Earth alone and be regarded as a "marked man."
Fortunately, the mission concluded successfully, and all three astronauts returned together.
Collins left his mark inside the command module, inscribing: "Spacecraft 107 – alias Apollo 11 – alias Columbia. The best ship to come down the line. God Bless Her. Michael Collins, CMP."
You may also like
'Dying to see my Cholesterol': How Trump responded to Kamala's medical report charge
'Possess, control, impregnate her': Olivia Nuzzi's ex-fiancé claims RFK jr manipulated her
Baba Siddique Murder: Attackers Who Shot NCP Leader Were Suspected To Be Under Influence Of Marijuana; Drug Packet Found At Rented House In Kurla
Brits warned as Spain passes 'royal decree' in holiday crackdown
Lifetime ISA warning as area with the most savers can't even use the funds
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Returns After 6-Year Hiatus; Gigi Hadid Opens the Runway
Vernon Kay says daughters and wife Tess Daly 'shouted' at him over one-sided issue at home
Over 800 US military veterans released under 'don't ask, don't tell' policy receive honorable discharges
"Matter of serious concern": CPIM on anti-India Khalistani elements operating in Canada
Horror house fire killed mum and 5 children as Doctor dad leaped from window to get help
Omar Abdullah To Take Oath As First CM Of J&K Union Territory Today
Salman Khan Should Give 'Counter Threat' To Lawrence Bishnoi, Says Ram Gopal Varma
Warning to avoid these four popular breakfast foods if you have high blood pressure
Arne Slot 'sent private text' to Virgil van Dijk to influence Liverpool U-turn
Man Utd news: Alex Ferguson's contract terminated as Zinedine Zidane backed for move
Will UAE airlines see one-pilot operation as AI-assisted flying takes off?
'Genius' method to upcycle delivery cardboard boxes into stunning pots for your garden
Job candidate baffled by tricky brainteaser in interview – see if you can solve it
UAE: How these residents save hundreds of dirhams on children's extra classes, activities
Why Disney World's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Is Closing In 2025 For A Year