Born: 1956 (Elmira, New York)
Biography:
Eileen Marie Collins, born on November 19, 1956, in Elmira, New York, is a retired NASA astronaut and United States Air Force (USAF) colonel. She made history as the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle and the first to command a Space Shuttle mission. Collins had a passion for aviation and space exploration from a young age, which led her to accomplish remarkable feats and inspire future generations of women.
Collins began her educational journey at Corning Community College, where she earned an associate degree in mathematics in 1976. She then pursued higher education at Syracuse University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics and economics in 1978. During her time at Syracuse, Collins received an officer commission in the USAF through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program.
After completing her education, Collins embarked on a career in the Air Force. She was one of only four women chosen for Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma. With unwavering determination, Collins earned her pilot wings and remained at Vance for three years as a T-38 Talon instructor pilot. She later transitioned to the C-141 Starlifter at Travis Air Force Base in California.
Collins’s career took an unexpected turn when she participated in the American invasion of Grenada in October 1983. Her aircraft played a crucial role in transporting troops and medical students during the operation. This experience highlighted Collins’s adaptability and ability to excel in high-pressure situations.
Following her time in Grenada, Collins served as an assistant professor in mathematics and a T-41 instructor pilot at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado from 1986 to 1989. During this period, she pursued further education, obtaining a Master of Science degree in operations research from Stanford University in 1986. In 1989, she earned a Master of Arts degree in space systems management from Webster University.
Collins’s pursuit of excellence led her to become the second woman pilot to attend the USAF Test Pilot School, graduating in class 89B. This achievement showcased her skill as a test pilot and opened new doors for her career. In 1990, Collins was selected as a pilot astronaut with NASA Astronaut Group 13, marking the beginning of her extraterrestrial endeavors.
She made her first spaceflight as the pilot of the STS-63 mission in 1995. This historic flight involved a space rendezvous between Space Shuttle Discovery and the Russian space station Mir. Collins’s skill and expertise were instrumental in the success of the mission, further cementing her place in space exploration history.
Continuing her groundbreaking career, Collins served as the pilot for STS-84 in 1997. However, her crowning achievement came in July 1999 when she became the first woman to command a US spacecraft. The STS-93 mission launched and deployed the Chandra X-Ray Observatory, expanding our understanding of the universe.
In 2005, Collins commanded STS-114, NASA’s return to flight mission after the tragic Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. This mission aimed to test safety improvements and resupply the International Space Station (ISS). During the mission, Collins made a significant contribution to the field of space exploration. She became the first astronaut to execute a complete 360-degree pitch maneuver with the Space Shuttle orbiter. This maneuver allowed the astronauts aboard the ISS to capture photographs of the shuttle’s belly, ensuring there was no debris-related damage during re-entry.
Collins retired from the USAF in January 2005 with the rank of colonel, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the military and space exploration. She bid farewell to NASA in May 2006, leaving behind a legacy of courage, determination, and inspiring achievements. Collins’s groundbreaking career and relentless pursuit of excellence have paved the way for future generations of women in the field of space exploration.
Awards:
– NASA Distinguished Service Medal
– Defense Superior Service Medal
– Distinguished Flying Cross
– Defense Meritorious Service Medal
– Air Force Commendation Medal
– Outstanding Unit Award
– National Defense Service Medal
– Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
– Astronaut Badge