Scientific American
Collins piloted the command module while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin touched down in 1969
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Michael Collins at Apollo 11 Command Module, practicing docking hatch removal from CM simulator at NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, June 28, 1969. Credit: Getty Images
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Gemini and Apollo astronaut Michael Collins, who orbited the moon during the world’s first lunar landing mission, has died at the age of 90.
Collins’ death on Wednesday (April 28) was made known by his family and NASA.
“We regret to share that our beloved father and grandfather passed away today, after a valiant battle with cancer. He spent his final days peacefully, with his family by his side,” Collins’ family said in a statement. “Mike always faced the challenges of life with grace and humility, and faced this, his final challenge, in the same way. We will miss him terribly. Yet we also know how lucky Mike felt to have lived the life he did. We will honor
Steven Senne / AP
Originally published on April 28, 2021 11:48 am
An astronaut who flew on one of the most famous space missions of all time has died. Michael Collins, 90, was part of the three-member crew on Apollo 11, the first lunar landing mission in 1969. Unlike Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, he never walked on the moon. Collins stayed behind and piloted the command module as it circled above. Because of that, Collins is often called the forgotten astronaut .
Collins had been battling cancer. In a statement released by his family, He spent his final days peacefully, with his family by his side. Mike always faced the challenges of life with grace and humility, and faced this, his final challenge in the same way.
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Collins was often described as the forgotten third astronaut on historic Moon mission
This May 1969 photo shows the astronaut crew of the Apollo XI lunar landing mission. Left to right, are Neil A. Armstrong, commander; Michael Collins, command module pilot; and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr, lunar module. AFP
Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins (C) and Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweikart (R) shade their eyes, while Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke looks on, while taking a question from a reporter during the Legends of Apollo media in Cocoa Beach, Florida on July 16, 2019. AFP
Astronaut Michael Collins prepares to board on Apollo 11 for the beginning of a mission to the moon 16 July 1969. AFP
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Cadets Michael Laun, Hayley Farmer and Shane Henderson were part of UNG s Ranger Challenge team that won the ROTC title and finished fourth out of 44 teams overall at the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition. | Photo contributed featured Apr 27, 2021
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Cadets Michael Laun, Hayley Farmer and Shane Henderson were part of UNG s Ranger Challenge team that won the ROTC title and finished fourth out of 44 teams overall at the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition. | Photo contributed
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