# Eileen Collins

> Astronaut and United States Air Force pilot

**Wikidata**: [Q229635](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q229635)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eileen_Collins)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eileen-collins

## Summary
Eileen Collins is an astronaut and United States Air Force pilot who became the first female commander of a Space Shuttle mission. She piloted NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia during STS-93 in 1999, deploying the Chandra X-ray Observatory, and later commanded STS-114 in 2005, returning to flight after the Columbia disaster. Collins holds multiple aviation and spaceflight records, including being the first woman to command a Space Shuttle.

## Biography
- Born: November 19, 1956
- Nationality: United States
- Education:
  - Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Syracuse University (1978)
  - Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Syracuse University (1980)
  - Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering from Stanford University (1988)
- Known for: First female Space Shuttle commander and first woman to pilot and command a Space Shuttle
- Employer(s):
  - National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
  - United States Air Force
- Field(s): Astronautics, aerospace engineering, aviation

## Contributions
- Piloted NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia during STS-93 in 1999, deploying the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the most sophisticated X-ray telescope ever built.
- Commanded STS-114 in 2005, the first Space Shuttle mission after the Columbia disaster, demonstrating the orbiter's safety and reliability.
- Holds the record for the first woman to command a Space Shuttle and the first woman to pilot and command a Space Shuttle.
- Served as a test pilot in the U.S. Air Force, accumulating over 3,500 flight hours in more than 30 aircraft.

## FAQs
**What was Eileen Collins's most significant achievement in spaceflight?**
Collins became the first female commander of a Space Shuttle mission, leading STS-114 in 2005, which marked the return to flight after the Columbia disaster. Her leadership helped restore public confidence in NASA's shuttle program.

**Where did Eileen Collins receive her education?**
Collins earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Syracuse University in 1978, a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Syracuse University in 1980, and a Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering from Stanford University in 1988.

**What awards has Eileen Collins received?**
Collins has received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Knight of the Legion of Honour, Harmon Trophy, NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and honorary doctorates from Syracuse University and Webster University. She was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame.

**How many Space Shuttle missions did Eileen Collins command?**
Collins commanded two Space Shuttle missions: STS-93 in 1999 and STS-114 in 2005. She also served as a pilot on STS-63 in 1995.

**What is Eileen Collins's military background?**
Collins served as a test pilot in the U.S. Air Force, accumulating over 3,500 flight hours in more than 30 aircraft. She graduated from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and was a distinguished flying cross recipient.

## Why They Matter
Eileen Collins broke barriers as the first woman to command a Space Shuttle, paving the way for future female astronauts and demonstrating the capabilities of human spaceflight. Her leadership during STS-114, the first mission after the Columbia disaster, restored public trust in NASA's shuttle program and advanced the agency's safety protocols. Collins's achievements in aviation and spaceflight have inspired generations of women and minorities in STEM fields, proving that gender and background do not limit career aspirations in technical disciplines.

## Notable For
- First female commander of a Space Shuttle mission (STS-114, 2005)
- First woman to pilot and command a Space Shuttle
- First woman to deploy the Chandra X-ray Observatory (STS-93, 1999)
- Holds the record for the first woman to command a Space Shuttle
- Recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- Inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Served as a test pilot in the U.S. Air Force, accumulating over 3,500 flight hours
- Earned a doctorate in Aerospace Engineering from Stanford University
- Received the Knight of the Legion of Honour from France
- Awarded the Harmon Trophy for significant contributions to aviation

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Eileen Marie Collins was born on November 19, 1956, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She attended Syracuse University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1978 and a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering in 1980. Collins later pursued a doctorate in Aerospace Engineering at Stanford University, completing her studies in 1988.

### Military Career
Collins joined the United States Air Force and completed her pilot training, accumulating over 3,500 flight hours in more than 30 aircraft. She graduated from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and was a distinguished flying cross recipient. Her military service included roles as a test pilot, demonstrating her expertise in advanced aircraft and flight systems.

### NASA Astronaut Career
Selected as an astronaut in 1990, Collins became the first female Space Shuttle commander. She piloted NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia during STS-93 in 1999, deploying the Chandra X-ray Observatory, a groundbreaking astronomical tool. Collins later commanded STS-114 in 2005, the first Space Shuttle mission after the Columbia disaster, which had occurred in 2003. Her leadership during STS-114 helped restore public confidence in NASA's shuttle program and demonstrated the orbiter's safety and reliability.

### Awards and Recognition
Collins has received numerous awards, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Knight of the Legion of Honour, Harmon Trophy, and NASA Distinguished Service Medal. She was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame. Collins also received honorary doctorates from Syracuse University and Webster University.

### Legacy and Influence
Eileen Collins's achievements have inspired women and minorities in STEM fields, breaking barriers in aviation and spaceflight. Her leadership and technical expertise have advanced NASA's safety protocols and demonstrated the capabilities of human spaceflight. Collins's contributions to aerospace engineering and her record-breaking missions have left a lasting impact on the space exploration community.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. LinkedIn
3. [Source](https://www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/eileen-collins/)
4. [Source](https://searchpub.nssc.nasa.gov/servlet/sm.web.Fetch/Agency_Awards_Historical_Recipient_List.pdf?rhid=1000&did=2120817&type=released)
5. [Source](https://news.syr.edu/blog/2001/05/05/syracuse-university-to-present-six-honorary-degrees-at-commencement/)
6. [Source](https://www.nmspacemuseum.org/inductee/eileen-marie-collins/)
7. [6 Inducted Into International Space Hall of Fame. El Paso Times. 2001](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/29994438/el_paso_times/)
8. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/english/e_first.htm)
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. Virtual International Authority File