From Space Shuttle Commander to Supermom: Eileen Collins' Stellar Journey

Eileen Collins is a trailblazing astronaut who made history as the first woman to pilot and command a NASA space shuttle. From a young age, Eileen was fascinated by space and dreamed of becoming an astronaut, even though there were no women astronauts at the time. She was inspired by reading about the Gemini astronauts and decided she wanted to be a 'lady astronaut. '

To achieve her dream, Eileen joined the military and became a test pilot in the Air Force, standing out among her peers. Her hard work and determination led her to be selected for NASA's astronaut program, where she flew the reusable space planes known as space shuttles. Her first mission in 1995 was watched by people all over the world, and Eileen felt the pressure to perform well, not just for herself but for all the women who would come after her. She wanted to prove that women pilots were just as capable as men.

Eileen was also a mother to two young children, and she often faced questions about how she balanced her career and family life. She said that being a parent was even harder than being a space shuttle commander, and that the skills she learned as a mom helped her lead her crew. NASA's space shuttle program had its share of tragedies, including the Challenger disaster in 1986 and the Columbia accident in 2003, both of which resulted in the loss of all crew members. After the Columbia disaster, Eileen was chosen to command the next shuttle flight. She didn't quit, even though it was a difficult time, because she wanted to be a brave and confident leader.

During her final mission in 2005, a piece of foam broke off the shuttle during launch, which was similar to what happened to Columbia. Eileen had to pilot the shuttle through a risky maneuver—a 360-degree flip under the International Space Station—so that the crew could check for damage. She stayed calm and focused, and the team was able to spot and repair the damage, allowing everyone to return safely. After her fourth mission, Eileen decided to retire from flying to give others a chance to go to space. She encourages young people to work hard, pay attention in class, and read books if they want to become astronauts. Eileen says she would love to go to space again someday, even as an older woman.

A new documentary called Spacewoman tells Eileen's story and highlights her achievements. She is proud of her career and hopes to inspire the next generation to reach for the stars. Eileen Collins proved that women can be excellent pilots and leaders, and she has no regrets about her choices. Her legacy continues to inspire those who dream of exploring space.