Michael Collins, a celebrated American astronaut and test pilot, made his mark on the world by virtue of his birth on October 31, 1930, in the Eternal City of Rome, Italy.
As a member of the third group of fourteen astronauts handpicked in 1963, he embarked on a remarkable journey, taking to the cosmos on two separate occasions.
His inaugural spaceflight was aboard Gemini 10, where he and command pilot John Young collaborated to execute two seamless rendezvous with distinct spacecraft, while Collins himself undertook the crucial task of conducting two Extravehicular Activities (EVAs).
Neil Armstrong's trusted command module pilot, Michael Collins, embarked on his second spaceflight as a vital component of the Apollo 11 mission. As Collins expertly navigated the lunar orbit, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history by becoming the first humans to set foot on the Moon's surface. This remarkable achievement solidified Collins' status as one of a select group of just 24 individuals who have had the privilege of journeying to the Moon.
Michael Collins' remarkable journey as an astronaut began with his educational pursuits at the esteemed United States Military Academy, where he laid the foundation for a distinguished career in the United States Air Force. Following his graduation, he embarked on a thrilling adventure, flying F-86 fighter jets at the Chambley-Bussieres Air Base in France, honing his exceptional piloting skills.
However, Collins' aspirations extended far beyond the realm of military aviation. In 1960, he was accepted into the prestigious USAF Experimental Flight Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, an institution renowned for nurturing the skills of the world's most elite pilots. Yet, despite his impressive credentials, Collins' initial attempt to join the second group of astronauts was unsuccessful. Undeterred, he persevered, and his determination ultimately paid off when he was selected for the third group of astronauts, paving the way for a storied career in space exploration.
After concluding his illustrious tenure at NASA in the year 1970, Michael Collins embarked upon a new professional venture, assuming the esteemed role of Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs within the Department of State.
Just one year later, in 1971, Collins seized the opportunity to steer the National Air and Space Museum as its director, a position he would maintain until 1978, when he opted to relinquish his duties to assume the undersecretary position within the Smithsonian Institution.
In the year 1980, Collins took on the responsibilities of Vice President at LTV Aerospace, a role he would occupy until 1985, when he decided to leave the corporate world behind and launch his own entrepreneurial endeavor.
Noted philanthropist and entrepreneur, Michael Collins, shared a loving and committed partnership with his devoted wife, Patricia, until her untimely passing in April of the year 2014.
Throughout their marriage, Collins and Patricia built a life filled with joy, love, and mutual support. Together, they welcomed three beautiful children into their family, including their eldest child, Kate, a bright and ambitious individual with a promising future ahead.
Their second child, Ann, brought a unique blend of creativity and kindness to the family, and their youngest child, Michael Jr., inherited his parents' entrepreneurial spirit and drive to succeed.
Despite the challenges and obstacles that life may have presented, Collins and his family remained a tight-knit and loving unit, cherishing the time they spent together and the memories they created. Even in the face of adversity, their bond remained strong, a testament to the enduring power of love and family.
