This week MCI wants to celebrate Eileen Collins. She is both a is a trailblazer and a true inspiration. As the first female pilot and first female commander of a space shuttle, she has achieved things that many thought were impossible for a woman. Her achievements have not only broken barriers in the field of space exploration, but also served as an inspiration for young women everywhere who aspire to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) fields.
From US Air Force Pilot to NASA Astronaut Candidate
Eileen Collins began her career as a pilot in the US Air Force, where she flew various aircraft and eventually became an instructor pilot. She was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in 1990 and flew four space shuttle missions between 1995 and 2005. Her first mission as a pilot was on the space shuttle Atlantis in 1995 and in 1999, she became the first female commander of a space shuttle, leading the Columbia crew on its mission STS-93. This mission featured the deployment of the Chandra X-ray Observatory.
Her achievements in space were not limited to her role as a pilot, she also served as a mission specialist on several shuttle missions. She was a key member of the team that planned and executed the first-ever rendezvous and docking of two space shuttles, a critical manoeuvre that paved the way for the construction of the International Space Station.
Eileen Collins: The First Female Commander of a Space Shuttle
Eileen has not only made history by being the first female commander of a space shuttle, but also by her dedication and expertise in her field. She demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, attention to detail and a calm under pressure that is essential for a successful space mission. She has logged over 673 hours in space, travelling over 10.5 million miles in orbit.
Eileen Collins has received numerous awards and honours for her contributions to space exploration, including the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She has been inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the International Space Hall of Fame.
Inspiring Young Women: A True Role Model in STEM Fields
Her pioneering spirit and achievements have inspired countless young women to pursue careers in STEM fields and to not let their gender limit their aspirations. Eileen Collins is a true role model, and her contributions to space exploration will always be remembered and celebrated. She has opened the door for many women to follow in her footsteps, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
