Who Is Michael Collins (astronaut)? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Michael Collins was born on October 31, 1930, and passed away on April 28, 2021, at the age of 90. Renowned as one of NASA's most notable astronauts, Collins flew on the Gemini 10 mission and served as the command module pilot for Apollo 11, the historic mission that landed the first humans on the Moon. His role, while often overshadowed by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, was crucial as he orbited the Moon alone while his crewmates descended to the lunar surface. Collins was not only an astronaut but also a test pilot, author, and the former director of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 31, 1930 |
| Age | 90 Years |
| Birth Place | Rome, Italy |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Italy |
| Date of death | 28 April, 2021 |
| Died Place | Naples, Florida, U.S. |
Popularity
Michael Collins (astronaut)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about Michael Collins' height, weight, and body measurements are not extensively documented, he was known to be physically fit, as was essential for astronauts during the rigorous training and missions. On average, male astronauts are typically around 5'10" (178 cm) tall and maintain a weight range conducive to space travel.
During 1968, Collins noticed his legs were not working as they should, first during handball games, then as he walked down stairs. His knee would almost give way, and his left leg had unusual sensations when in hot and cold water.
Reluctantly he sought medical advice and the diagnosis was a cervical disc herniation, requiring two vertebrae to be fused. The surgery was performed at Wilford Hall Hospital at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The planned recuperation time was three to six months. Collins spent three months in a neck brace.
As a result, he was removed from the prime crew of Apollo 9 and his backup, Jim Lovell, replaced him as CMP. When the Apollo 8 mission was changed from a CSM/LM mission in high Earth orbit to a CSM-only flight around the Moon, both prime and backup crews for Apollo8 and9 swapped places.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Michael Collins was married to Patricia Collins (née Gibbons) from 1957 until his death in 2021. The couple had three children: two daughters, Anne and Kate, and a son, Michael Jr. Collins often cited the importance of family, and he cherished his life with his wife and children, who supported him during his demanding career in aerospace.
Born in Rome, Italy, where his father was serving as the U.S. military attaché, Collins graduated in the Class of 1952 from the United States Military Academy. He followed his father, brother, uncle, and cousin into the military. He joined the United States Air Force, and flew F-86 Sabre fighters at Chambley-Bussières Air Base, France.
He was accepted into the U.S. Air Force Experimental Flight Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in 1960, also graduating from the Aerospace Research Pilot School (Class III).
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Michael Collins had an estimated net worth of around $20 million. This wealth primarily stemmed from his distinguished career as an astronaut, various public speaking engagements, book sales, and his role in the aviation and aerospace industry. His memoir, "Carrying the Fire: An Astronaut's Journeys," remains a bestseller and contributes to his financial legacy.
Career, Business and Investments
Collins began his career in the United States Air Force as a fighter pilot before joining NASA in 1963. His remarkable contributions to the Apollo program, especially the Apollo 11 mission, earned him a spot in the history books. After leaving NASA in 1970, Collins continued to make an impact in the space community as the director of the National Air and Space Museum, where he expanded the museum's exhibitions and collections.
In addition to his aerospace career, Collins was also a businessman, serving on various corporate boards and contributing to the development of new aviation technologies.
After retiring from NASA in 1970, Collins took a job in the Department of State as Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs. A year later, he became the director of the National Air and Space Museum, and held this position until 1978, when he stepped down to become undersecretary of the Smithsonian Institution.
In 1980, he took a job as vice president of LTV Aerospace. He resigned in 1985 to start his own consulting firm. Along with his Apollo 11 crewmates, Collins was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2011.
Social Network
Although Michael Collins was a prominent public figure, he preferred to maintain a level of privacy about his personal life. While he did not have active social media accounts himself, he engaged with the public through interviews, documentaries, and public speaking events. His legacy continues to be remembered on various platforms celebrating his work and accomplishments.
Training for Gemini 10 was interrupted in March when Slayton diverted Young, Collins and Williams to represent their respective services on a panel to select another group of astronauts, along with himself, Shepard, spacecraft designer Max Faget, and astronaut training officer Warren J. North.
Young protested the loss of a week's training to no avail. Applying strict criteria for age, flying experience and education reduced the number of applicants to 35. The panel interviewed each for an hour, and rated nineteen as qualified. Collins was surprised when Slayton elected to take them all.
Slayton later admitted that he too had doubts; he already had enough astronauts for Project Apollo as far as the first Moon landing, but post-Apollo plans were for up to 30 missions. Such a large intake therefore seemed prudent. Ten of the nineteen had test pilot experience, and seven were graduates of the ARPS.
Education
Collins graduated from US Military Academy at West Point in 1952, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. He further enhanced his education at the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in California. His background in engineering and military aviation set the foundation for his successful career as an astronaut.
Michael Collins (October 31, 1930 – April 28, 2021) was an Italian-born American astronaut who flew the Apollo 11 command module Columbia around the Moon in 1969 while his crewmates, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, made the first crewed landing on the surface. He was also a test pilot and major general in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
