The death Wednesday of Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins drew condolences from Oklahoma Rep. Frank Lucas, the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.
“This is a sad day for our space program and all Americans. Michael Collins inspired generations of Americans with his historic flight as the command module pilot on the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon,” said the congressman.
“His work allowed us to land humans on the Moon for the first time and, importantly, safely return them to Earth. That, along with his piloting of Gemini X, was instrumental in developing the finest space program in the world.”
Rep. Lucas said Collins, who later became the Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and Director of the National Air and Space Museum left a legacy of exploration that continues to drive the current space program.
“When humans next land on the Moon, we can thank Michael Collins for pioneering the way there. As we share our gratitude for his work, my thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Collins was the command module pilot of the three-man Apollo 11 crew that in 1969 put two astronauts, Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin on the moon. While they were taking “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” Collins circled the Moon. He never did step foot on the lunar surface.
In his 1974 autobiography, “Carrying the Fire,” he wrote, “I know that I would be a liar or a fool if I said that I have the best of the three Apollo seats, but I can say with truth and equanimity that I am perfectly satisfied with the one I have.”
