Famed astronaut Eileen Collins has recounted her extraordinary journeys. She became the first woman to ever pilot a Space Shuttle and looked back on her amazing career in a wide-ranging interview earlier this month. Collins is celebrated for her historic leadership in directing NASA’s space missions. She illustrated the struggles and successes of her journey, walking the line between a mother and a commander.
In the colorful opening picture, Collins rocks a bright pink and white ensemble that is as bomb as she is. She cheekily puts her finger to her lips while playing with her other hand on her mom’s pace helmet. Images like these illustrate the profound connection Barron shares to both her family and the legacy of American space exploration. Another powerful image showcases her in an orange spacesuit with a clear helmet, symbolizing her commitment to pioneering efforts in aeronautics.
Collins became the first female pilot of the Space Shuttle. In the process, she not only earned her degree, she showed what a little grit and elbow grease can accomplish. She piloted NASA’s now-retired fleet of reusable “space planes” and commanded the spacecraft during history-making missions. One of those missions was in 2005, which became her last flight. During her time as an astronaut, her military aviation background helped her do things like land a 360-degree flip under the International Space Station.
The tragic Columbia Shuttle disaster became a reality in 2003. It led to the tragic loss of its crew of seven, which was an extraordinarily sad day in the story of space exploration. Collins acknowledged the weight of responsibility that came with being a commander, stating, “People throughout the shuttle programme were counting on the commander to stick with it.” Her leadership did not falter, coming under extraordinary pressure to do so. Engineers and managers raised repeatedly the same questions about the safety of the mission, undercutting her at each step.
“There were engineers and managers saying it couldn’t be done, all these reasons why it was too dangerous,” – Eileen Collins
Collins remained steadfast in her resolve. “I think quitting the mission would have been the opposite of brave… and I wanted to be a brave leader. I wanted to instill that confidence in other people,” she asserted. While her dedication underscores her remarkable bravado, it exemplifies the kind of grit that will inspire the next generation of astronauts.
Collins hasn’t forgotten, and doesn’t want to forget, what inspired her in her youth. At about nine years old, reading about the Gemini astronauts in Scholastic’s Scope Magazine sparked her dream of becoming an astronaut. “I thought that’s the coolest thing. That’s what I want to do,” she said. That’s where her journey started — immediately. Today, she is a trailblazer in space exploration, a real reflection of her commitment and fortitude.
In addition to her pioneering achievements in space, Collins embraced motherhood, often stating that balancing both roles has been one of her greatest challenges and joys. “I’m here to say that parenting is more difficult than being a space shuttle commander,” she said. She spoke candidly about the challenges of modern parenting while celebrating her incredible professional achievements.
“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,” – Eileen Collins
This groundbreaking experience is the subject of her documentary “Spacewoman.” It celebrates her genre altering achievements at NASA and the tremendous effect she has had on women in STEM fields. Collins said she hopes to motivate the next generation, urging young people to follow their aspirations.
“Do your homework, listen to your teacher, pay attention in class and read books, and that will give you something to focus on,” – Eileen Collins
After her fourth flight, Collins has retired from active missions to allow others to march into space. She’s still optimistic about making it back in the future. Yes, I would like to go on a mission one of these days. When I’m a very old lady, perhaps I’ll have a second opportunity of going up into space,” she said dreamily.