The Apollo Program's Loneliest Astronauts

The video discusses the often-overlooked role of Michael Collins, the command module pilot of Apollo 11, and the importance of command module pilots in the Apollo missions. It explains the Apollo mission design, particularly the Lunar Orbit Rendezvous strategy, and the specialized roles of astronauts. The video highlights the training and responsibilities of command module pilots, their scientific contributions, and the legacy of Michael Collins, emphasizing his unique perspective and contributions to space exploration.

What was the primary reason for including a command module pilot in the Apollo missions?

• To collect more moon rocks

• To ensure successful mission maneuvers

• To act as a backup commander

• To provide entertainment for the crew

Which mission design did NASA ultimately choose for the Apollo missions?

• Lunar Orbit Rendezvous

• Earth Orbit Rendezvous

• Direct Ascent

• Lunar Surface Rendezvous

What was one of the key responsibilities of the command module pilot during the Apollo missions?

• Piloting the lunar module

• Performing the transposition, docking, and extraction maneuver

• Conducting spacewalks

• Leading the mission as commander

How did command module pilots contribute to lunar geology studies in later Apollo missions?

• By conducting experiments on the lunar surface

• By identifying geologic features from orbit

• By collecting rock samples from the surface

• By mapping the entire lunar surface

What is significant about the photograph taken by Michael Collins during the Apollo 11 mission?

• It depicts the entire Apollo 11 crew on the moon

• It was the first color photograph taken in space

• It captures the lunar module with Earth in the background

• It shows the first human footprint on the moon