First Woman to Command a Space Mission
Eileen Marie Collins made history as the first woman to command a space mission, leading the Space Shuttle Columbia on its STS-93 mission from July 23 to July 27, 1999. This significant mission involved the deployment of the Chandra X-ray Observatory, a key instrument designed to explore the X-ray spectrum of the universe and enhance our understanding of cosmic phenomena such as black holes and quasars. Born on November 19, 1956, in Elmira, New York, Collins pursued a career as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, where she logged thousands of flight hours and served as an instructor. Her journey into space began after her selection for NASA's astronaut training program in 1990, following her graduation from the prestigious Air Force Test Pilot School. Collins's groundbreaking role was officially announced by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in 1998, marking a significant milestone for women in aerospace. The successful completion of her mission not only showcased her leadership abilities but also paved the way for future female astronauts. She has continued to serve in the Air Force, holding the rank of colonel and is expected to command more missions. Collins's achievements represent an important advancement in gender equality within the field of space exploration.
First Woman to Command a Space Mission
First Woman to Command a Space Mission
Eileen Marie Collins, the first woman to command a space mission, was the Shuttle Commander of the Space Shuttle Columbia during its flight from July 23 to July 27, 1999. Officially designated STS-93 by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the space agency of the United States, Columbia's mission was to deploy the Chandra X-ray Observatory which focused on the X-ray range of the electromagnetic spectrum to study black holes, novas, quasars, and other exotic objects in the universe.
Collins, a native of Elmira, New York, was born on November 19, 1956, and chose to pursue a career as an air force pilot in the late 1970s. She logged thousands of hours in several dozen different types of aircraft and served as an instructor as well.
After being assigned to the prestigious Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in California, Collins was chosen for the astronaut training program in 1990. She successfully completed her training by July 1991 and served aboard the shuttle Discovery in 1995 and the shuttle Atlantis in 1997 before being selected to command the Columbia. Her selection was announced by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton on March 5, 1998. Collins's mission was a success. As of the writing of this book, she has the rank of colonel in the air force and is scheduled to command more missions in the future.