Eileen Collins, a pioneering figure in the world of space exploration, captivated audiences with her remarkable achievements as NASA’s first female Space Shuttle pilot and commander. Collins wears his familiar orange spacesuit flanked by a clear helmet. He has inspired many to be more committed and persistent in their passionate pursuits, especially in a male-dominated field such as STEM. Collins has a history of reimagining limits since her very first mission in 1995. She won this incredible honor all while graciously juggling the trials and tribulations of motherhood.
Collins became the first woman to both pilot and command a NASA spacecraft. Her last mission ended with a spectacular, 360-degree flip under the International Space Station. This amazing accomplishment raised her remarkable talent to a new visibility and encouraged others in her orbit. This mission would prove to be the last for her storied career where she completed four spaceflights.
Collins looked back on her journey and shared her dream for decades come true. Following her fourth mission, she wanted to retire and allow others to have the opportunity to travel in space. As a mother of two young children, she often compared her roles in life, stating, “The best training I ever had for being a commander was being a parent – because you have to learn how to say no to people.”
“In her eyes, each role is just as fulfilling as the other. “I wanted there to be a reputation for women pilots that was: ‘Hey, they’re really good,’” she said. Collins emphasized the importance of her accomplishments, not just for her own success, but for young women who’ll follow in her footsteps. Her goal is to encourage fellow dreamers hoping to someday become astronauts.”
However, her rise to the top of NASA certainly didn’t happen without negative consequence. The deep emotional burden of the tragic loss of the Columbia shuttle and its crew in 2003 never left her heart. Collins shook her head at the recollection of the catastrophe and the friends who perished. “People throughout the shuttle programme were counting on the commander to stick with it,” she recalled, underscoring the weight of responsibility she felt during these times.
Collins was acutely aware that the world would be watching when her maiden mission launched. “I think quitting the mission would have been the opposite of brave… and I wanted to be a brave leader,” she said, explaining her commitment to the success of each mission. She faced skepticism from engineers and managers who believed certain tasks were too dangerous, yet she remained resolute: “It sounds like we can do it.”
Her legacy went far beyond her own accomplishments. It involved opening doors for women to follow her into space exploration. “As the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle, I worked very hard at that because I didn’t want people to say, ‘Oh look, the woman has made a mistake,’” Collins stated. Her courageous spirit changed the world’s perception and motivated millions of young girls to believe and achieve their dreams in the fields of science and technology.
Collins’s story continues to inspire audiences today—in particular through her starring role in the new documentary Spacewoman, which details her trailblazing career. The documentary focuses heavily on her professional accomplishments. The film goes deeper into her life, including her intimate thoughts, focusing on the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry.
Though now retired from active missions, Collins still possesses a profound love for the idea of space exploration. “Yes, I would love to go on a mission someday. When I’m an old lady, maybe I’ll get a chance to go back in space,” she remarked humorously, showcasing her enduring enthusiasm for space travel.