Wonder · Space Exploration
The Astronaut Who Stayed Behind
Michael Collins and Apollo 11
The question
Which astronaut stayed in lunar orbit while the first two humans walked on the Moon?
- Buzz Aldrin
- Michael Collins(correct answer)
- Neil Armstrong
The answer: Michael Collins
While Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin explored the lunar surface in July 1969, Michael Collins piloted the command module Columbia in lunar orbit, circling the Moon alone. His role was vital: Columbia was the crew's way home, so after lifting off from the Moon, Armstrong and Aldrin had to rendezvous with Collins before heading back to Earth.
- Civilization
- United States (NASA)
- Region
- Earth–Moon space
- Period
- July 1969
- Featured in
- Daily Discovery #003 · 4 November 2026
Image: NASA / Michael Collins (image source, opens in a new tab)
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