Learn About Michael Collins (Astronaut): Age, Birthdate, Zodiac Sign & More

Early Life and Military Career

Michael Collins, born on October 31, 1930 in Rome, Italy, was destined to carve his name in the annals of history as an astronaut. His family later moved to Washington, D.C., where Collins grew up and developed a passion for flying. He joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in France, where he flew F-86 fighter jets.

Collins' skills as a pilot caught the attention of his superiors, and he was accepted into the U.S. Air Force Experimental Flight Test Pilot School. His exceptional performance in the program led to his selection as an astronaut by NASA in 1963.

Space Missions

Gemini 10

• Collins made his first spaceflight as the pilot of the Gemini 10 mission in July 1966. During this mission, he performed two spacewalks and successfully rendezvoused with two different Agena target vehicles.

Apollo 11

• Collins is perhaps best known for his role as the command module pilot of Apollo 11, the historic mission that landed the first humans on the moon. While Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin descended to the lunar surface, Collins orbited the moon in the command module, waiting to reunite with his fellow astronauts after their historic moonwalk.

Post-NASA Career

After leaving NASA, Collins continued to make significant contributions to the aerospace industry. He served as Vice President of LTV Aerospace from 1980 to 1985, using his expertise and experience to help advance the field of space exploration.

Personal Life

Collins married Patricia Finnegan in 1957, and together they had three children: Kate, Ann, and Michael. Despite the demands of his career as an astronaut, Collins always made time for his family and valued their unwavering support.

Legacy

Michael Collins will always be remembered as a pioneer of space exploration, a man who played a vital role in one of the most iconic moments in human history. His bravery, skill, and dedication to exploration have inspired countless individuals to reach for the stars and continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space.

Collins passed away on April 28, 2021, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations to come.