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Eileen Collins

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description Eileen Collins Overview

Eileen Collins is an American aviator and retired U.S. Air Force officer. She achieved significant milestones as the first female pilot and commander of a NASA Space Shuttle mission. Her leadership on STS-93 in 1999 marked a pivotal moment for women in space exploration, paving the way for future female astronauts and commanders.

Collins’s career is notable within both aviation and spaceflight fields.

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What space shuttle mission did Eileen Collins command?

Eileen Collins commanded Space Shuttle mission STS-93 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in July 1999. This historic mission successfully deployed the Chandra X-ray Observatory, a major NASA telescope. She was the first woman to ever hold the role of Shuttle Commander.

When did Eileen Collins become the first female space shuttle pilot?

Collins became the first female pilot of a Space Shuttle during the STS-63 mission in February 1995. The mission involved a historic rendezvous with the Russian space station Mir. She paved the way for numerous female astronauts to take on pilot and commander roles in NASA's program.

How many total space shuttle missions did Eileen Collins fly?

Over her career as a NASA astronaut, Eileen Collins logged over 872 hours in space across four separate missions. In addition to STS-93 and STS-63, she piloted STS-84 and later commanded STS-114. STS-114 was the crucial "Return to Flight" mission following the 2003 Columbia disaster.

Was Eileen Collins in the US Air Force?

Yes, Eileen Collins had a distinguished career as a colonel in the United States Air Force. She was one of the first women to attend the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base. Her military career included serving as a mathematics professor and an instructor pilot for the T-38 Talon.