Michael Collins is often referred to as the "forgotten man in space."
The Unsung Hero of Apollo 11
Michael Collins, one of the three astronauts on the historic Apollo 11 mission, played a pivotal yet less celebrated role. While Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history by becoming the first humans to walk on the moon, Collins remained behind, orbiting the moon in the command module. Because of this crucial distinction—he never set foot on the lunar surface—he gained the moniker of the "forgotten astronaut."
A Critical Role in Lunar History
Despite not walking on the moon, Collins's contribution was absolutely vital to the success of the Apollo 11 mission. As the command module pilot, he was responsible for operating the spacecraft that would ultimately bring Armstrong and Aldrin back from the lunar surface and safely return all three astronauts to Earth. His precise navigation and piloting skills were essential for the entire mission's success. For much of the time the lunar module was on the moon, Collins was alone, circling the moon, waiting for his crewmates to return.
The table below illustrates the distinct roles of the primary Apollo 11 crew members:
| Astronaut | Primary Role in Apollo 11 | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Neil Armstrong | Commander | First person to walk on the Moon |
| Buzz Aldrin | Lunar Module Pilot | Second person to walk on the Moon |
| Michael Collins | Command Module Pilot | Piloted command module; remained in lunar orbit |
While the iconic images of the moonwalk are etched into public memory, Collins's critical work behind the scenes ensured that the mission was not just a journey to the moon, but a safe return home.
