Michael Collins, Apollo 11 Astronaut

space exploration · Apollo 11 · astronaut

Orbited the Moon solo. While Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin descended to the lunar surface, Michael Collins stayed in the Columbia command module and circled the Moon 30 times. He was farther from Earth than any human had ever been.

Test pilot first. Before becoming an astronaut, Collins was a skilled test pilot who flew experimental aircraft. His flying experience helped prepare him for the dangerous missions of the space program.

Hidden Moon hero. Collins had one of the most important jobs on Apollo 11, even though he never set foot on the Moon. Without his piloting skills keeping Columbia in orbit, Armstrong and Aldrin couldn't have made it back to Earth.

Military officer too. Collins was a major general in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, showing his dedication to service both in space and in the military.