The individual often referred to as the "forgotten man in space" is Michael Collins.
While Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the Moon during the historic Apollo 11 mission, Michael Collins orbited the Moon alone in the Command Module, performing crucial tasks to ensure their safe return. His vital role, though less public than the moonwalkers, was indispensable to the mission's success.
According to the Royal Museums Greenwich, "Michael Collins is the often forgotten third astronaut on the Apollo 11 mission." This highlights the common perception that his contribution, while critical, doesn't always receive the same level of recognition as his crewmates who set foot on the lunar surface.
Michael Collins's Role in Apollo 11
The Apollo 11 mission, which achieved the first human landing on the Moon in July 1969, had a crew of three:
- 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, remained in lunar orbit.
Collins's responsibilities during the mission were extensive and demanding. He was responsible for:
- Piloting the Command Module (Columbia), the spacecraft that housed the astronauts during the journey to the Moon and back to Earth.
- Managing the rendezvous and docking procedures after the Lunar Module (Eagle) returned from the Moon's surface.
- Maintaining contact with Earth while orbiting the Moon, often in solitude on the far side, out of direct communication range.
His skill and precision were essential for the mission's success. If he had been unable to successfully dock with the Lunar Module after it lifted off from the Moon, Armstrong and Aldrin would have been stranded.
Why is He Considered "Forgotten"?
The popular narrative of the Apollo 11 mission naturally focuses on the unprecedented achievement of walking on another celestial body. The images and stories of Armstrong and Aldrin on the lunar surface became iconic. While Michael Collins was a crucial part of the crew and equally celebrated at the time by those aware of the mission's complexities, his role orbiting overhead didn't capture the public imagination in the same dramatic way as the moonwalk itself.
Collins himself often expressed that he didn't feel forgotten, but acknowledged that his role was inherently less visible than that of the moonwalkers. His contributions were paramount to the mission's success and are well-recognized within the space community. However, in the broader public memory, the "first steps" often overshadow the critical journey and support system provided by the Command Module pilot.
| Apollo 11 Crew Member | Role | Key Achievement Highlighted |
|---|---|---|
| Neil Armstrong | Commander | First person on the Moon |
| Buzz Aldrin | Lunar Module Pilot | Second person on the Moon |
| Michael Collins | Command Module Pilot | Orbited the Moon alone |
In summary, while all three astronauts were vital, the spotlight on the moon landing itself led to Michael Collins sometimes being less prominently remembered by the general public compared to his fellow crew members.
