Astronaut Profile
Eileen Collins
Commander
Eileen Collins became the first woman to pilot and later command a Space Shuttle mission, and commanded both STS-93 and the critical STS-114 Return to Flight mission after the Columbia disaster.
OrbitingTruths Archive
Commander • Living
Biography
The person behind the mission
Eileen M. Collins was a U.S. Air Force test pilot who became the first woman to pilot a Space Shuttle mission in 1995 aboard STS-63. She made history again in 1999 as the first woman to command a Shuttle mission, leading STS-93 to deploy the Chandra X-ray Observatory. In 2005, NASA selected Collins to command STS-114, the critical Return to Flight mission following the Columbia disaster, a role that drew directly on her reputation for skill and composure under pressure.
Astronaut Details
Born
November 19, 1956
Birthplace
Elmira, New York, USA
Role
Commander
Program
Space Shuttle
Time in Space
38 days, 8 hours, 10 minutes
Missions
STS-63, STS-84, STS-93, STS-114
Recognition
Awards & Honors
- Congressional Space Medal of Honor
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross