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
Emotional Salman Khan gets teary-eyed; gives death stare to paparazzi hovering outside Lilavati hospital
Watch: Rains hit some parts of UAE; waterfalls flow through Fujairah mountains
Beloved radio presenter dies aged 58 as heartbroken tributes pour in
Four Liverpool players could miss Chelsea game as Arne Slot waits for updates
