Mike Collins.

Michael Collins

Born 31 Oct 1930 Rome, Italy

Died 28 Apr 2021 Naples, USA

Citizenship United States

Would Be 95 yr If Living

TL;DR

Apollo 11 command module pilot Mike Collins stayed in lunar orbit on July 20, 1969, while his crewmates became the first men on the moon. He later served as the first director of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. He also flew the Gemini 10 mission in 1966 with John Young. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 and was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.

At a glance.

STATS

Mike Collins by the numbers — life, work, and family.

90 Years lived

17 Film credits

43 Books

16 Awards

1 Marriage

1 Child

Family ties.

KIN · 3

The relatives of Mike Collins — parents, partners, children, and siblings.

PARENTS: James Lawton Collins
SPOUSES: Pat Collins
CHILDREN: Kate Collins

Who was Mike Collins?

BIOGRAPHY

Mike Collins — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Mike Collins was born on October 31, 1930, in Rome, Italy, to Major General James Lawton Collins, a decorated World War I and World War II veteran. He spent his early years attending schools in the United States and abroad, including St. Albans School and Academia del Perpetuo Socorro.

He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science in military science, determined to follow a path of service. After serving as a fighter pilot, he entered the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, where he refined the skills that later qualified him for NASA’s astronaut program.

Career

Collins was selected for NASA’s third group of astronauts in 1963. He served as pilot on Gemini 10 in July 1966, alongside command pilot John Young, performing the first dual rendezvous with two Agena target vehicles and a spacewalk.

His most famous role came as command module pilot for Apollo 11 in July 1969. While Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin descended to the moon’s surface in the lunar module Eagle, Collins remained alone in the command module Columbia, orbiting the moon for more than 28 hours.

He later served as the first director of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum from 1971 to 1978, overseeing its construction and opening. He was also a prolific author, winning the Washington State Book Award for his autobiography Carrying the Fire.

Personal life

Collins married Pat Collins on April 28, 1957, and they had one child, Kate Collins. The family lived in the Washington, D.C., area during his tenure at the Smithsonian.

He was the son of Major General James Lawton Collins and nephew of General Joseph Lawton Collins, a former Army Chief of Staff. After retirement, he resided in Naples, Florida, where he died of cancer on April 28, 2021, at age 90. He was cremated and his ashes interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

Legacy

Collins’s 1969 orbit of the moon left him uniquely remembered as the loneliest man in history during the time his crewmates walked on the lunar surface. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2011 alongside Armstrong and Aldrin.

His autobiography Carrying the Fire, which won the Washington State Book Award, is a classic astronaut memoir. The song For Michael Collins, Jeffrey and Me by Jethro Tull was dedicated to him in 1970. After his death, Buzz Aldrin became the last surviving Apollo 11 crew member.

His role as command module pilot ensured the success of the first moon landing, and his legacy endures through the National Air and Space Museum, which he helped create. He is remembered as the Apollo 11 command module pilot who kept the lone vigil around the moon.

Filmography.

FILMS · 17

Browse the complete filmography of Mike Collins — every film, TV show, and documentary credit, ranked by popularity.

Movie
Apollo 11
2019
Movie
Youth in Revolt
2009
Movie
For All Mankind
1989
TV
Chasing the Moon
2019
Movie
Apollo: the Forgotten Films
2019
Movie
In the Shadow of the Moon
2007
Movie
The Day We Walked on the Moon
2019

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Bibliography.

BOOKS · 43

Mike Collins's bibliography — every authored, edited, and co-written book, ranked by edition count.

Amazon Goodreads
First on the Moon
by Neil Armstrong et al.
Amazon Goodreads
Carrying the Fire
by Michael Collins
Amazon Goodreads
Liftoff
by Michael Collins et al.
Amazon
Moonbound
by Jonathan Fetter-Vorm et al.
Amazon Goodreads
Death of a Writer
by Michael Collins et al.
Amazon Goodreads
Flying to the Moon
by Michael Collins
Amazon Goodreads
Flying to the Moon and Other Strange Places
by Michael Collins
Amazon
Network Security Through Data Analysis: from Data to Action
by Michael Collins et al.
Amazon
Lost Voices
by Martin King et al.
Amazon Goodreads
Likes of Us
by Michael Collins
Amazon Goodreads
Red Rosa
by Michael Collins
Amazon Goodreads
Managing Resources and Information
by Michael Collins
Amazon Goodreads
In Charge of Yourself
by Michael Collins
Amazon Goodreads
Managing People
by Michael Collins

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Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 16

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Mike Collins — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Distinguished Flying Cross
Order of Culture
Presidential Medal of Freedom
NASA Exceptional Service Medal
Washington State Book Award
Congressional Gold Medal
National Aviation Hall of Fame
Grande Médaille d'Or des Explorations
Langley Gold Medal
Cullum Geographical Medal
United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
Hubbard Medal
NASA Distinguished Service Medal
Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
International Space Hall of Fame
Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy

Did you know?

FACTS · 14

Little-known facts about Mike Collins — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

He flew as pilot on Gemini 10 in 1966 and as command module pilot on Apollo 11 in 1969.
He was the command module pilot for Apollo 11, the mission that landed the first men on the moon — he stayed in orbit around the moon during the landing. He also served as the first director of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
The song For Michael Collins, Jeffrey and Me 1970 by the British rock band Jethro Tull was dedicated to him, and it talked about what he missed out on by staying in the command module during the moon landing.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree in military science from the United States Military Academy West Point in 1952. He became a fighter pilot and served as a test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
He flew two missions for the American space program: once on the first crewed lunar expedition, Apollo 11, with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, and once on Gemini 10 with John Young. On the historic Apollo 11 mission, the lunar module was Eagle and the command module was Columbia.
He, Neil Armstrong, and Buzz Aldrin were awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Hollywood, California.
He was the son of Major General James Lawton Collins, a veteran of World War I and World War II, and the nephew of General Joseph Lawton Collins, a World War II veteran and Army Chief of Staff during the Korean War.
He was the father of Kate Collins.
He was an astronaut.
He constantly stated that he never felt bad about not being a moon-walker, as he had trained with the command module and someone had to control it well on the mission. Fittingly, he was also born outside the United States and technically would not have been American-born if he had been chosen to walk on the moon.
His death on April 28, 2021, left Buzz Aldrin as the sole surviving crew member of the Apollo 11 command module.
He is portrayed by Lukas Haas in the 2018 film First Man.
He was one of only two Apollo astronauts who visited the moon to have been born outside the United States. The other is Bill Anders, who was born in Hong Kong.
He was cremated at Neptune Society in Fort Myers, Florida. His urn was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, in memory of his service as a United States Air Force veteran.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 58

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Mike Collins.

When was Mike Collins born?
Mike Collins was born on October 31, 1930. He was born in Rome, Lazio, Italy.
Where was Mike Collins born?
Mike Collins was born in Rome, Lazio, Italy. He was the son of Major General James Lawton Collins.
When did Mike Collins die?
Mike Collins died on April 28, 2021. He passed away at the age of 90 in Naples, Florida.
How old was Mike Collins when he died?
Mike Collins was 90 years old when he died on April 28, 2021. He was born in 1930.
Where did Mike Collins die?
Mike Collins died in Naples, Florida, USA. He had been living there after his retirement from public life.
How did Mike Collins die?
Mike Collins died from cancer. He passed away on April 28, 2021, in Naples, Florida.
What was Mike Collins's real name?
Mike Collins’s birth name is Michael Collins. He was known publicly as Mike Collins throughout his career.
What did Mike Collins do for a living?
Mike Collins was an astronaut, test pilot, and later a museum director. He flew on Gemini 10 and Apollo 11, and served as the first director of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
What nationality was Mike Collins?
Mike Collins was an American citizen. Although he was born in Italy, he was a United States citizen by birthright.
What language did Mike Collins speak?
Mike Collins’s native language was English. He was fluent in English as he was raised in an American military family.
Who were Mike Collins's parents?
Mike Collins’s father was Major General James Lawton Collins, a decorated military officer. His mother is not widely documented, but he had a strong family military background.
Who was Mike Collins married to?
Mike Collins was married to Pat Collins. They were married from April 28, 1957, until her death on April 9, 2014.
Did Mike Collins have children?
Yes, Mike Collins had one child, a daughter named Kate Collins. She is his only known child.
Where did Mike Collins go to school?
Mike Collins attended several schools: Academia del Perpetuo Socorro, St. Albans School, the United States Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, and Harvard Business School.
What awards did Mike Collins win?
Mike Collins won numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal, the National Aviation Hall of Fame, the Hubbard Medal, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
How many awards did Mike Collins win?
Mike Collins won at least 16 major awards, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy.
What is Mike Collins best known for?
Mike Collins is best known as the command module pilot of Apollo 11, the first lunar landing mission. He also appears in documentaries like Apollo 11 and For All Mankind.
How tall was Mike Collins?
Mike Collins was 5 feet 11 inches tall, which is about 1.80 meters. His height was typical for an astronaut of his era.
What is the origin of Mike Collins's nickname?
Mike Collins’s nickname is simply Mike, a common shortening of his birth name Michael. He was known as Mike to family, friends, and the public.
Where was Mike Collins buried?
Mike Collins was cremated, and his ashes were buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. This honors his service as a U.S. Air Force veteran.
What movies did Mike Collins appear in?
Mike Collins appeared in several documentaries, including Apollo 11 2019, For All Mankind 1989, and In the Shadow of the Moon 2007. He also had a cameo in the comedy Youth in Revolt 2009, playing an Old Man.
Did Mike Collins write a book?
Yes, Mike Collins wrote an autobiography titled Carrying the Fire, which won the Washington State Book Award. It is considered one of the best astronaut memoirs.
What song is dedicated to Mike Collins?
The song For Michael Collins, Jeffrey and Me by the British rock band Jethro Tull was dedicated to him in 1970. It reflects on his experience of remaining in orbit during the moon landing.
Did Mike Collins ever walk on the moon?
No, Mike Collins did not walk on the moon. He remained in the command module Columbia, orbiting the moon while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin descended to the surface.
How long did Mike Collins orbit the moon alone?
Mike Collins orbited the moon alone for about 28 hours on the Apollo 11 mission. During that time, he was the most isolated human being in history.
Who played Mike Collins in the movie First Man?
Mike Collins was portrayed by actor Lukas Haas in the 2018 film First Man, which chronicles Neil Armstrong’s journey to the moon.
Is Mike Collins related to any other famous Collins?
Yes, Mike Collins’s uncle was General Joseph Lawton Collins, a U.S. Army Chief of Staff. His father was also a major general. The Collins family has a strong military lineage.
What did Mike Collins do after NASA?
After NASA, Mike Collins served as the first director of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum from 1971 to 1978. He also wrote books and became a public speaker.
Did Mike Collins have any siblings?
The source record does not mention any siblings for Mike Collins. He was the son of Major General James Lawton Collins, and his immediate family is not specified beyond that.
What was the total number of missions Mike Collins flew?
Mike Collins flew two space missions: Gemini 10 in 1966 and Apollo 11 in 1969. He logged a total of 266 hours in space.
What was Mike Collins's rank in the Air Force?
Mike Collins achieved the rank of Major General in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He served as a test pilot and later as an astronaut.
Did Mike Collins receive any posthumous honors?
After his death, Mike Collins was widely memorialized. He had already received many lifetime honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.
What is Mike Collins's legacy?
Mike Collins’s legacy is that of the Apollo 11 command module pilot who enabled the first moon landing. His autobiography and his work at the National Air and Space Museum remain significant.
Why is Mike Collins called the loneliest man?
Mike Collins is called the loneliest man because during Apollo 11, he was the only human not on Earth or the moon. He orbited the moon alone while his crewmates made history on the lunar surface.
What was the name of the Apollo 11 command module?
The Apollo 11 command module was named Columbia. Mike Collins piloted Columbia while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon in the lunar module Eagle.
How did Mike Collins contribute to the National Air and Space Museum?
As the first director of the National Air and Space Museum, Mike Collins oversaw its construction and opening in 1976. He helped shape its exhibits and mission.
Who were Mike Collins's crewmates on Apollo 11?
Mike Collins’s crewmates on Apollo 11 were Neil Armstrong, the mission commander, and Buzz Aldrin, the lunar module pilot. Armstrong and Aldrin were the first two men to walk on the moon.
Did Mike Collins ever return to space after Apollo 11?
No, Mike Collins did not fly in space after Apollo 11. He retired from NASA in 1970 and pursued other interests, including directing the Air and Space Museum.
What education did Mike Collins have?
Mike Collins earned a Bachelor of Science in military science from West Point in 1952. He also attended test pilot school and later studied at Harvard Business School.
Was Mike Collins born in the United States?
No, Mike Collins was born in Rome, Italy, where his father was stationed. He became a U.S. citizen by birthright through his American parents.
What was Mike Collins's role on Gemini 10?
On Gemini 10, Mike Collins served as pilot alongside command pilot John Young. They performed the first dual rendezvous with two Agena target vehicles, and Collins conducted a spacewalk.
How did Mike Collins feel about not walking on the moon?
Mike Collins often said he did not regret not walking on the moon. He believed his role as command module pilot was essential, and he was proud of his critical function in the mission.
What is Mike Collins's autobiography about?
Mike Collins’s autobiography Carrying the Fire details his life as an astronaut, his experiences on Gemini 10 and Apollo 11, and his reflections on the space program. It is widely praised for its candor.
Did Mike Collins appear in any fiction films?
Yes, Mike Collins had a small acting role in the 2009 comedy Youth in Revolt, playing a character called Old Man. He also appeared as himself in numerous documentaries.
What awards did Mike Collins win for his book?
Mike Collins won the Washington State Book Award for his autobiography Carrying the Fire. The book is considered a classic of astronaut literature.
Who is the sole surviving Apollo 11 crew member?
After Mike Collins’s death in 2021, Buzz Aldrin became the sole surviving member of the Apollo 11 crew. Neil Armstrong died in 2012.
Where is Mike Collins's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
Mike Collins, along with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
What was Mike Collins's cause of death?
Mike Collins died from cancer. He was 90 years old and had been living in Naples, Florida.
Did Mike Collins have any other children besides Kate Collins?
No, the source record indicates that Mike Collins had only one child, Kate Collins. There is no mention of other children.
What was Mike Collins's height?
Mike Collins stood 5 feet 11 inches tall, which is about 1.80 meters. He was of average height for an astronaut.
What was the name of the lunar module on Apollo 11?
The lunar module on Apollo 11 was named Eagle. It carried Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the moon’s surface while Mike Collins remained in the command module Columbia.
Did Mike Collins ever work for NASA after Apollo 11?
After Apollo 11, Mike Collins served as Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs for a brief period before becoming the director of the National Air and Space Museum. He left NASA in 1970.
What is Mike Collins's connection to Jethro Tull?
The British rock band Jethro Tull dedicated the song For Michael Collins, Jeffrey and Me to him in 1970. The song imagines his perspective during the Apollo 11 mission.
What rank did Mike Collins achieve in the military?
Mike Collins achieved the rank of Major General in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He had a distinguished military career as a test pilot and astronaut.
What was Mike Collins's first space mission?
Mike Collins’s first space mission was Gemini 10, which launched on July 18, 1966. He piloted the spacecraft alongside John Young.
Did Mike Collins write any other books?
Besides Carrying the Fire, Mike Collins wrote several other books, including Liftoff and nonfiction accounts of space exploration, but his autobiography is his most famous.
What was Mike Collins's role in the Apollo 11 mission timeline?
Mike Collins was responsible for piloting the command module Columbia, conducting navigation and systems checks, and ensuring the module was ready for the crew’s return from the lunar surface.
Where did Mike Collins live after retiring?
After retiring, Mike Collins lived in Naples, Florida, where he died in 2021. He also maintained a residence in the Washington, D.C., area earlier.