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Mike CollinsUS astronaut and test pilot, retired US Air Force Major General
Date of Birth: 31.10.1930
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Michael Collins: American Astronaut and Test Pilot
- Gemini 10 Mission
- Apollo 11 Mission
- Recognition and Honors
- Congressional Gold Medal
Michael Collins: American Astronaut and Test Pilot
Michael Collins was a renowned American astronaut and test pilot who retired as a United States Air Force brigadier general. Of Irish descent, he ventured into space twice during his illustrious career.
Gemini 10 Mission
In July 1966, Collins embarked on his first space mission aboard Gemini 10 with John Young as commander. During this historic flight, he became the first person to conduct two spacewalks.
Apollo 11 Mission
Collins' most significant mission came in July 1969, as part of the legendary Apollo 11 crew. While Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin made history by becoming the first humans to walk on the lunar surface, Collins remained in orbit, piloting the command module. As a result of this pivotal mission, he became one of only 24 individuals to have journeyed to the Moon.
Recognition and Honors
Collins' outstanding contributions were acknowledged with the NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 1970. He was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame and awarded the Callum Medal in 1969. In 1970, the International Astronomical Union bestowed upon him the distinction of having a crater on the Moon named after him.
Congressional Gold Medal
In 2009, Collins was honored with the United States' highest civilian award, the Congressional Gold Medal. The prestigious accolade was presented to him on August 16, 2011.
