Collins, Michael

Michael Collins was an American astronaut and engineer who played a key role in NASA’s early space exploration efforts. He served as the navigation officer on Apollo 11 and was responsible for tracking the spacecraft’s trajectory. During the Apollo 11 mission, Collins orbited the Moon alone in the command module while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the lunar surface. He also contributed to the Mercury and Gemini programs, helping develop critical spaceflight technologies. Collins was known for his calm professionalism and expertise, making him a vital figure in America’s historic journey to the Moon.