Answer:
Eileen Collins is a former NASA astronaut and a retired United States Air Force colonel. She is best known for being the first female Space Shuttle pilot and commander, breaking several gender barriers in the field of space exploration. Here are some key points about Eileen Collins:
1. **Early Life and Education:** Eileen Collins was born on November 19, 1956, in Elmira, New York, USA. She developed an early interest in aviation and attended Corning Community College before transferring to Syracuse University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and economics. She later earned a master's degree in operations research from Stanford University.
2. **Military Career:** Collins joined the United States Air Force in 1978 and became a pilot. She logged many hours of flight time on various aircraft, including the T-38 Talon, C-141 Starlifter, and KC-10 Extender.
3. **NASA Career:** Eileen Collins was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in 1990. She became the first female pilot of a Space Shuttle when she flew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-63 in 1995. In 1999, she made history again by becoming the first female Space Shuttle commander on mission STS-93.
4. **Space Shuttle Missions:** Collins participated in multiple Space Shuttle missions, including STS-63, STS-84, STS-93, and STS-114. STS-114 was particularly notable as it was the first Space Shuttle mission after the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster and marked the return to flight for the program.
5. **Retirement:** Eileen Collins retired from NASA in 2006. Her career paved the way for women in space exploration and inspired many aspiring astronauts.
Eileen Collins is celebrated for her pioneering achievements in space exploration, as well as her contributions to advancing opportunities for women in the field of astronautics. She is recognized as a trailblazer and role model for future generations of astronauts, especially women pursuing careers in aerospace.