Eileen Collins

astronaut · space pioneer · pilot · STEM role model

First woman pilot. Eileen Collins became the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle in 1995 when she flew on STS-63. This was a huge moment in space history because no woman had ever steered a Space Shuttle before.

Expert test pilot. Before becoming an astronaut, Collins was a skilled Air Force test pilot and flight instructor. She knew how to fly complicated aircraft better than almost anyone, which helped NASA pick her for the Space Shuttle program.

Commander in charge. In 1999, Collins became the first woman to command a Space Shuttle mission when she led the crew of STS-93. This meant she was the captain in charge of the entire mission, making all the big decisions.

Broke the glass ceiling. Collins proved that women could do everything men could do as astronauts. Her success opened doors for many other women to become pilots and explore space.

Military officer. Collins was a colonel in the U.S. Air Force, one of the highest ranks. She combined her military training with her space skills to become a legendary explorer.