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Astronaut Michael Collins spotted wearing Rolex

Michael Collins: The Forgotten Hero of the First Moon Landing

When most people think of the first human mission to the moon, they think of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, the two astronauts who famously became the first men to walk on the moon on July 21st, 1969. But there was a third astronaut on that mission whose contributions often go unrecognized: Michael Collins.

Collins played a critical role in the Apollo 11 mission as the pilot of the Columbia command module, which remained in lunar orbit while Armstrong and Aldrin explored the moon's surface. But while Collins didn't get to walk on the moon himself, he was an essential part of the mission's success.

Before becoming an astronaut, Collins served as a test pilot for the US Air Force and NASA. He was selected as an astronaut in 1963, and went on to fly in both the Gemini 10 and Apollo 11 missions. In total, he spent more than 266 hours in space.

During his time in space, Collins wore a stainless steel Rolex Turn-o-Graph 6202, a watch that has since become known as the "Moonwatch" because of its association with the first moon landing. The watch is highly sought after by collectors due to its historical significance.

Today, Collins is often referred to as the forgotten hero of the first moon landing. He may not have walked on the moon, but his contributions to the mission were essential. Without his skillful piloting of the command module, Armstrong and Aldrin may not have been able to make it safely back to Earth.

As the world mourns the passing of Michael Collins, we remember the crucial role he played in one of the greatest achievements in human history. And we celebrate his memory by recognizing the importance of all those who work behind the scenes to make bold advancements in science and technology possible.