The Forgotten Astronaut

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 “Neil Armstrong was the first man whose boots touched the moon’s surface, Buzz Aldrin was the second one.” We were taught this in school in the second or the third class. Apollo 11 was the mission which had set these astronauts on the Moon. But there weren’t only two astronauts who flew to the moon….they were three of them. Michael Collins was the third one. Many may know this too...but I know his contribution is known to far less people!

Collins, often referred to as the ‘forgotten astronaut’ last breathed on 28th April 2021. Michael was the one who flew Apollo 11. As the rocket took off from the Earth and reached the moon it sent two astronauts down to experience the surface of the moon whereas Collins remained in the spacecraft preparing for the journey back home. He spent hours engulfed in the darkness on the darker side (the side of the moon which is not visible to the earth), orbiting the moon when, he had lost connection with Earth as well as with his fellow companions. The situation for Michael was very bad as no connection with his fellow companions meant that only he would return, leaving the two to die on the moon. In an interview Collin told that he was very nervous in that situation and did everything to keep himself motivated. Finally, the tables did turn and a connection was established which, helped the trio come back home.

Collin never came much into the limelight as he never stepped on the moon but, his was an important contribution to the mission. Often Michael Collins was asked in interviews whether he had any regrets of not stepping on the moon to which Collins would reply, “No, I haven’t got any. I had a greater task to do which was to bring us all home!”

We have much to learn from Collins. He never regretted stepping on the moon but, he celebrated being an inevitable part of the mission. We often see people neglecting their achievements and focusing on what they haven’t got. This is certainly a negative attitude! If only Michael would have had cribbed for not stepping on the moon he might have not made history, for coming back to earth was and is a tricky task! Michael Collins always knew that he wouldn't be the public eye as compared to his companions but his work and his aim was much more than being the center of attraction. Often we see many people wanting to be in the limelight, having done nothing....it is only great people like Collins who work for their passion and not for people's attraction! 

Michael Collins was forgotten for his achievements during the mission but, without him the mission would have had been forgotten!

Michael Collins is no more….but his greatness would always remain!!

Comments

  1. Aashish S TattuMay 8, 2021 at 9:14 AM

    I was wondering about where would this blog be going and it smoothly transitioned into a life lesson. Every work and every person is important. Great going, Suhani. Keep writing! ☺️

    ReplyDelete

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