Apollo 11 LM Ascent from the Moon 16mm footage filmed from the command module Enhanced footage and music by Moonpans Original footage by Apollo Flight Journal | Moonpans.com

Michael Collins was the third member of the 1969 Apollo 11 crew. Although he did not set foot on the moon himself, the former Air Force test pilot had the important role of completing the first lunar landing mission by bringing the crew safely back to Earth. Collins died in 2021, 52 years after piloting the Apollo 11 command module. In 2019, he shared his story on 60 Minutes, talking about the pivotal moment in mankind's history he said he "played a small part in", and explained why, even though

Apollo 11’s Lunar Module and Command Module meet in lunar orbit, shown from two perspectives during the docking sequence. This precision maneuver was essential for bringing the crew home. Follow @spaceeves #Apollo11 #MoonMission #SpaceHistory #NASA | SpaceEve