Michael Collins - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline
| Born | October 31, 1930 |
|---|---|
| Died | April 28, 2021 (age 90) |
| Birthplace | Rome, Italy |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Chinese Zodiac | Horse |
| Generation | Silent Generation |
| Known For | Piloting the Apollo 11 command module during the first moon landing in 1969. |
Intro
Michael Collins was an American astronaut, test pilot, and Major General in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He is best known for piloting the Apollo 11 command module, Columbia, during the first manned lunar landing in July 1969. While his crewmates Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the Moon, Collins remained in lunar orbit, ensuring the mission's safety and success. Beyond Apollo 11, Collins contributed significantly to NASA as a Gemini 10 pilot and later served as an administrator at the Smithsonian Institution.
Early Life & Background
Michael Collins was born on October 31, 1930, in Rome, Italy, where his father was a U.S. Army officer stationed at the time. He grew up in a military family and lived in various locations, including the United States, due to his father's career. Collins attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1952, and later became a test pilot before joining NASA.
Career Highlights
- Command Module Pilot on Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing mission in 1969
- Pilot for Gemini 10 mission in 1966, performing two spacewalks
- Director of the National Air and Space Museum (Smithsonian Institution) from 1971 to 1978
- Served as Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs
Trivia
- Collins orbited the Moon alone for over 21 hours while Armstrong and Aldrin were on the lunar surface.
- He is one of only 24 people to have flown to the Moon.
- Michael Collins published several books, including the acclaimed autobiography 'Carrying the Fire.'
- He turned down the opportunity to walk on the Moon to allow for other crew assignments.
FAQs
People also ask
When was Michael Collins born?
Michael Collins was born the 31 October 1930.
Where is Michael Collins from?
Rome, Italy.
On His Birth-Day
About October 31st, 1930, in brief:
- Historical events: On October 31, 1930, no significant historical events were recorded. This day appears to have been a relatively quiet period during the interwar years, with no major political, social, or cultural developments noted in historical archives.
- Day of the week: October 31st, 1930 was a Friday
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio (in western zodiac), Horse (in Chinese zodiac)
- Moon Phase: Waxing gibbous
- Popular movie: Morocco directed by Josef von Sternberg
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