Before His Death, Apollo 11’s ‘Third Astronaut’ Michael Collins FINALLY Admitted It | HO

Imagine spending hours alone, orbiting the Moon, cut off from all communication with Earth, with only the silent void of space around you. Michael Collins, the often-overlooked hero of Apollo 11, did just that. But what if, in those moments of isolation, he saw something – something that would leave him haunted for decades?

Before his death, Collins finally broke his silence and revealed a truth that NASA never wanted us to hear. This is the story of Michael Collins and the story he had to keep hidden for over 5 decades, so sit back and enjoy – because what you are about to hear is going to blow your socks off.

Michael Collins, known as the “third astronaut” of Apollo 11, held a unique and pivotal role in one of the most significant events in human history: the first moon landing. While Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin descended to the lunar surface, Collins remained aboard the Command Module, Columbia, orbiting the moon alone. Despite the immense significance of his mission, Collins often found himself overshadowed by his more famous crewmates. Yet, as he approached the later years of his life, he finally opened up about his experiences and emotions during this extraordinary journey.

Born on October 31, 1930, in Rome, Italy, Collins came from a military family that deeply influenced his character and career aspirations. His father, James Lon Collins, was a U.S. Army Major General, and this military tradition instilled in him a sense of duty and discipline from an early age. Moving frequently due to his father’s assignments, Collins was exposed to various cultures and environments, sparking his interest in aviation. The tales of his uncle, General Jay Lorton Collins, who served in World War II, further fueled this passion.

After attending St. Alban’s School in Washington, D.C., Collins pursued a career in aviation by enrolling at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in 1952. He then joined the U.S. Air Force, where he quickly distinguished himself as a skilled pilot, flying the F-86 Sabre, a crucial aircraft during the Korean War. His commitment to safety and precision earned him respect among his peers and superiors.

Collins’s career took a significant turn when he was selected to attend the U.S. Air Force Experimental Flight Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Here, he flew experimental aircraft, including the X-15 rocket plane, pushing the boundaries of aviation technology and developing the skills necessary for space travel. It was during this time that Collins began to seriously consider becoming a NASA astronaut.

In 1962, Collins applied to NASA’s astronaut corps but was not selected. Undeterred, he re-applied in 1963 and was accepted into the third group of astronauts, which included future Apollo astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Alan Bean. His early missions included significant contributions to the Gemini program, where he became the first astronaut to conduct two spacewalks in a single mission. This experience solidified his reputation as a capable and pioneering astronaut.

Collins was originally slated to fly on Apollo 8 but was sidelined by a medical issue that required surgery. Once recovered, he was assigned to Apollo 11, where he served as the Command Module pilot. This role was critical; while Armstrong and Aldrin descended to the moon, Collins orbited above, ensuring that the Command Module was ready for their return.

The Apollo 11 mission launched on July 16, 1969, with the Saturn V rocket propelling the astronauts toward the moon. Collins described the launch experience as overwhelming, with vibrations and noise reducing communication to the essentials. The astronauts marveled at the sight of the Earth from space, a breathtaking view that underscored the importance of their mission.

As they traveled through space, Collins was responsible for monitoring their trajectory and preparing for the lunar orbit insertion. The burn required to enter lunar orbit was executed flawlessly, allowing the crew to observe the moon’s surface in great detail. As Armstrong and Aldrin prepared the Lunar Module, Eagle, for descent, Collins faced a new reality: he would be alone in the Command Module, a position that required both technical skill and psychological resilience.

Collins spent nearly 24 hours alone in Columbia, reflecting on the enormity of the mission. During this time, he experienced moments of introspection, grappling with the unique challenge of being isolated while his crewmates walked on the lunar surface. Although he was separated from them, Collins recognized the significance of his role in ensuring their safe return.

In later interviews, Collins spoke about the emotional weight of that time. He admitted to feeling a mix of pride and loneliness. While he was thrilled to be part of the mission, the isolation brought on a sense of longing for connection with his fellow astronauts. He described his experience as both a profound honor and a deeply personal challenge.

After Apollo 11, Collins continued to work with NASA and later served as the director of the National Air and Space Museum. He remained a vocal advocate for space exploration, inspiring future generations with his stories of adventure and exploration. Throughout his life, Collins emphasized the importance of teamwork, humility, and the pursuit of knowledge.

As he reflected on his career, Collins often downplayed his contributions compared to Armstrong and Aldrin, who received much of the public attention. However, his role was undeniably crucial to the mission’s success. In the final years of his life, he began to share more openly about his experiences, emphasizing the significance of collaboration and shared goals in the face of monumental challenges.

In his later years, Michael Collins expressed a sense of fulfillment and gratitude for his experiences, both in the military and as an astronaut. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by all who contributed to the space program, highlighting the collaborative spirit that made such historic achievements possible.

Michael Collins’s journey as the “third astronaut” of Apollo 11 is a testament to the spirit of exploration and human ingenuity. His candid reflections on isolation, teamwork, and the emotional complexity of space travel serve as a reminder of the profound challenges faced by those who dare to push the boundaries of human experience. In admitting the realities of his mission, Collins not only honored his own legacy but also illuminated the importance of every individual’s contribution to the shared pursuit of knowledge and adventure.

As we remember Michael Collins, we celebrate not just his achievements but also the values of humility, resilience, and collaboration that defined his life and career. His story continues to inspire future generations to reach for the stars, reminding us all that even in moments of solitude, we are part of something greater than ourselves.