RIP Michael Collins

[elfenix 34,339]

Quote

The following is a statement from acting NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk on the passing of Michael Collins:

 

“Today the nation lost a true pioneer and lifelong advocate for exploration in astronaut Michael Collins. As pilot of the Apollo 11 command module – some called him ‘the loneliest man in history’ – while his colleagues walked on the Moon for the first time, he helped our nation achieve a defining milestone. He also distinguished himself in the Gemini Program and as an Air Force pilot.

 

“Michael remained a tireless promoter of space. ‘Exploration is not a choice, really, it’s an imperative,’ he said. Intensely thoughtful about his experience in orbit, he added, ‘What would be worth recording is what kind of civilization we Earthlings created and whether or not we ventured out into other parts of the galaxy.’

 

“His own signature accomplishments, his writings about his experiences, and his leadership of the National Air and Space Museum helped gain wide exposure for the work of all the men and women who have helped our nation push itself to greatness in aviation and space. There is no doubt he inspired a new generation of scientists, engineers, test pilots, and astronauts.

 

“NASA mourns the loss of this accomplished pilot and astronaut, a friend of all who seek to push the envelope of human potential. Whether his work was behind the scenes or on full view, his legacy will always be as one of the leaders who took America's first steps into the cosmos. And his spirit will go with us as we venture toward farther horizons.”

 

The following is a statement from the Collins family:

 

“We regret to share that our beloved father and grandfather passed away today, after a valiant battle with cancer. He spent his final days peacefully, with his family by his side. Mike always faced the challenges of life with grace and humility, and faced this, his final challenge, in the same way. We will miss him terribly. Yet we also know how lucky Mike felt to have lived the life he did. We will honor his wish for us to celebrate, not mourn, that life. Please join us in fondly and joyfully remembering his sharp wit, his quiet sense of purpose, and his wise perspective, gained both from looking back at Earth from the vantage of space and gazing across calm waters from the deck of his fishing boat.”

https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/statements-on-passing-of-michael-collins
 

Quote

Collins: That’s a horrible window. It’s too bad we have to shoot through this one, but—oh, boy, you could spend a lifetime just geologizing that one crater alone, you know that?
Armstrong: You could.
Collins: That’s not how I’d like to spend my lifetime, but—picture that. Beautiful!
Aldrin: Yes, there’s a big mother over here, too.
Collins: Come on now, Buzz, don’t refer to them as big mothers. Give them some scientific name.

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2019/07/apollo-moon-landing-transcripts/594451/

 

not sure if actually happened:

 

Edited April 28, 2021 by elfenix

[Nice Guy Eddie 13,528]

Not many Apollo astronauts left. Only 4 alive that walked on the moon. 

[Grade of D as in David 13,253]

15 minutes ago, elfenix said:

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2019/07/apollo-moon-landing-transcripts/594451/

Great article, thanks for sharing.

RIP to the loneliest man in the universe.

[elfenix 34,339]

2 minutes ago, Grade of D as in David said:

Great article, thanks for sharing.

RIP to the loneliest man in the universe.

this photo has every human alive except for michael collins:

[Armybrat 40,924]

What a life. RIP

[lemonlime 5,503]

 

[phdhorn 6,224]

I was a kid when Apollo 11 landed. I always thought, why didn't Michael Collins say if you don't let me walk on the moon, I'm pulling out of here and you guys are toast.

That's the kind of stuff you think about when you're a kid.

RIP.

[Bevo 13,601]

4 hours ago, Nice Guy Eddie said:

Not many Apollo astronauts left. Only 4 alive that walked on the moon. 

easier to keep the secret that way

[BillyGoatHill 4,312]

RIP......

[Pato del Muerto 52,619]

Member of the most exclusive and most badass of clubs. 

[mulletpelini 5,216]

7 hours ago, elfenix said:

this photo has every human alive except for michael collins:

I wasn't alive yet, so yer wronguh.

RIP MC, you were good.

[Fudge Nuggets 19,227]

8 hours ago, elfenix said:

this photo has every human alive except for michael collins:

And the half of the world’s population that lives on the other side of the earth.

[Wally Fairway 5,590]

3 hours ago, Bevo said:

easier to keep the secret that way

Buzz would like to have a word with you; and by that I mean he will bitch slap you silly.

[WBT 20,675]

8 hours ago, Nice Guy Eddie said:

Not many Apollo astronauts left. Only 4 alive that walked on the moon. 

I wonder if we'll make it back before they're all gone.  Or if we'll fall back to the state of the first 99.9975% of human history when no living person had walked on the moon.

Anyway, RIP.

[RPM 26,360]

RIP to a steely eyed missile man.

[DigglerontheHoof 21,258]

What a great human and American.  A life lived incredibly well. 

RIP