Michael Collins
US astronaut has died at the age of 90
Michael Collins died of complications from cancer
© imago images / JMH / Galaxy Contact
The US astronaut Michael Collins, who flew to the moon with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in 1969, is dead.
The American astronaut Michael Collins (1930-2021) died at the age of 90 of complications from cancer. This was announced by his family in a statement, which was published on Twitter, among others. Collins was part of the Apollo 11 manned lunar mission together with Neil Armstrong (1930-2012) and Buzz Aldrin (91).
While Armstrong and Aldrin set foot on the moon in 1969, Collins remained in the command module and orbited the moon alone. That is why he was later dubbed the “forgotten astronaut” of the trio. Collins died after a “brave battle with cancer,” said his family’s statement. His relatives were with him in his peaceful final days.
“We will miss you”
Collins faced all the challenges in his life “with grace and humility” – including this one. The family now wants to comply with Collins’ wishes and not mourn for him, but celebrate his life. Details of the funeral will be announced in due course.
His former colleague Buzz Aldrin also reported to Twitter shortly after the news became known and wrote: “Dear Mike, wherever you have been or will be, you will always have the fire to skilfully guide us to new heights and into the future. We will miss you. May you rest in peace. ”