Faizel Patel – 28/04/2021
Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins has died at the age of 90.
In a statement, the Collins family say that Michael passed away on Wednesday surrounded by family after losing his battle with cancer.
They say Michael always faced the challenges of life with grace and humility, and faced this, his final challenge, in the same way.
“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.”
NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk says the US has lost a true pioneer and lifelong advocate for exploration.
“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.”
Jurczyk says Michael remained a tireless promoter of space, adding that 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 the US push itself to greatness in aviation and space.
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