April 28

Erhard Loretan was a Swiss alpinist renowned for his fast and lightweight climbs in the Himalayas. Born in Bulle, Switzerland in 1959, he became the third person to conquer all fourteen 8000-meter peaks without supplemental oxygen. Loretan was famous for setting speed records, including a rapid ascent of Annapurna. He authored books sharing his philosophy of minimal-impact climbing and respect for mountain environments. Beyond high-altitude achievements, he guided expeditions and taught alpine techniques. Tragically, he died in 2011 from injuries sustained during a fall after an avalanche in the Atlas Mountains. His mountaineering legacy continues to inspire climbers worldwide.

Michael Collins was an American astronaut who served as the command module pilot for Apollo 11 in 1969, the mission that first landed humans on the Moon. While Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the lunar surface, Collins orbited above alone in the spacecraft, ensuring their safe return. He had earlier flown on Gemini 10, conducting spacewalks and mastering rendezvous techniques critical to later missions. After leaving NASA, Collins held roles at the State Department and served as director of the National Air and Space Museum. His reflections on space exploration and his quiet dedication made him an enduring figure in aerospace history.