Apollo 11’s ‘Forgotten Astronaut’ Revealed Untold Stories From Their Historic Mission
In a world obsessed with heroes, it's easy to forget the quiet individuals whose contributions are just as vital yet less celebrated.
We remember Neil Armstrong’s iconic “one small step” and Buzz Aldrin’s historic footprint on lunar soil. But while the world watched these men make history, another astronaut was experiencing a moment of solitude that few humans can even imagine.
Michael Collins, the ‘forgotten astronaut’ of Apollo 11, orbited the Moon in the command module, waiting for his crewmates to complete their groundbreaking mission. His role was pivotal than most people know.
As Armstrong and Aldrin descended to the lunar surface, Collins ensured they had a ship to come back to. Yet, his task placed him in the loneliest position imaginable.
Apparently, Collins was 240,000 miles from Earth, and completely cut off from all human contact as he circled behind the Moon’s dark side.
For 48 minutes, Collins was out of communication with mission control and his crewmates, becoming the most isolated person in the galaxy. But in that silence, he experienced something profound.
Looking out at the Earth, Collins felt a deep sense of “awareness, anticipation, satisfaction, confidence…almost exultation.”
Though he never set foot on the Moon, his experience during those 48 minutes was satisfying to his soul.
Scroll down for more details on Michael Collins‘ intriguing interview about the Apollo 11 mission…
The 3 astronauts who completed the Apollo 11 mission - Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin
Space Frontiers/Getty ImagesIt was suggested that no human had experienced such profound isolation "since Adam." Yet, for Michael Collins, the experience was far from lonely. Instead, he described his time alone in space as something far more powerful.
Rather than feeling cut off, Collins spoke of a heightened awareness—an almost electric sense of anticipation. He felt satisfaction in his role, brimming with confidence, and even a deep sense of exultation.
During an interview, Michael Collins reflected on the insights he gained from his journey through space.
Reflecting on his time orbiting the Moon, Michael Collins didn’t mince words when it came to the conditions: "The food was terrible," he admitted, though he found solace in the isolation. "But I enjoyed my time behind the Moon. It's a rugged place and not a very comfortable place.”
But it wasn’t just the Moon that left a lasting impression on him. His most profound realization came from the contrast between the Moon and Earth. "Being very close to the Moon was very impressive in many ways, but the Moon is nothing compared to our home planet," Collins explained.
As he orbited alone, guiding the command module, the view of his home planet captivated him more than the lunar surface ever could. "It was center stage," Collins said, his voice filled with wonder as he described the Earth from space. "Any little thing—the blue of the ocean, the white of the clouds, little streaks of tan that we call 'continents.'"
From his vantage point, Earth was no larger than a thumbnail held at arm’s length, yet its beauty and significance dwarfed everything else.
Collin captured during intense training sessions in the command module
Bettmann / Contributor / GettyThough he didn’t share the same fame as the men who walked on the Moon, Michael Collins never downplayed the importance of his role. As the one responsible for piloting the command module, Collins knew that the mission’s success hinged on his work—someone had to stay behind, ensuring a safe return for the others.
But behind the calm and calculated demeanor, Collins admitted to carrying a heavy burden. He was deeply concerned for Armstrong and Aldrin's safety during their historic moonwalk. The thought that something might go wrong, leaving him to return to Earth alone, haunted him.
Thankfully, the mission went down in history not for loss but for triumph. All three astronauts returned safely, cementing Apollo 11 as one of humanity's greatest achievements.
