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{{Short description|American astronaut and pilot (born 1956)}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2022}}
{{Infobox astronaut
|name         = Eileen Collins
|image        = Commander Eileen Collins - GPN-2000-001177.jpg
|caption      = Collins in 1998
|birth_name   = Eileen Marie Collins
|birth_date   = {{nowrap|{{birth date and age|1956|11|19|df=y}}}}
|birth_place  = [[Elmira, New York]], U.S.
|death_date   =
|death_place  =
|education    = [[Corning Community College]] ([[Associate of Arts|AA]])<br>[[Syracuse University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br>[[Stanford University]] ([[Master of Science|MS]])<br>[[Webster University]] ([[Master of Science|MS]])
|awards       = {{ubl |[[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]] |[[Legion of Merit]] |[[Defense Meritorious Service Medal]] |[[Meritorious Service Medal (United States)|Meritorious Service Medal]] (2) |[[Commendation Medal|Air Force Commendation Medal]] (2) |[[NASA Distinguished Service Medal]] |[[NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal]] |[[NASA Exceptional Service Medal]] |[[NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal]] |[[NASA Space Flight Medal]] (4)}}
|type         = [[NASA astronaut]]
|rank         = [[Colonel (United States)|Colonel]], [[United States Air Force|USAF]]
|time         = 36d 7h 11m
|selection    = [[NASA Astronaut Group 13|NASA Group 13 (1990)]]
|missions     = [[STS-63]]<br>[[STS-84]]<br>[[STS-93]]<br>[[STS-114]]
|insignia     = [[File:Sts-63-patch.png|45px]] [[File:Sts-84-patch.png|50px]] [[File:STS-93 patch.svg|48px]] [[File:Sts-114-patch.png|54px]]
|retirement   = 1 May 2006
|module       = {{Infobox military person
|embed        = yes
|serviceyears = 1978–2005
|battles      = [[United States invasion of Grenada]]}}
|website      = https://www.eileencollins.com/
}}
'''Eileen Marie Collins''' (born 19 November 1956) is an American retired [[NASA]] [[astronaut]] and [[United States Air Force|Air Force]] [[colonel]]. A flight instructor and [[test pilot]], Collins was the first woman to pilot the [[Space Shuttle]] and the first to command a Space Shuttle mission.

A graduate of [[Corning Community College]], where she earned an associate degree in mathematics in 1976, and [[Syracuse University]], where she graduated with a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree in mathematics and economics in 1978, Collins was commissioned as an officer in the USAF through Syracuse's [[Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps]] program. She was one of four women chosen for [[Undergraduate Pilot Training]] at [[Vance Air Force Base]], [[Oklahoma]]. After earning her [[United States Aviator Badge|pilot wings]], she stayed on at Vance for three years as a [[T-38 Talon]] instructor pilot before transitioning to the [[C-141 Starlifter]] at [[Travis Air Force Base]], [[California]]. During the [[United States invasion of Grenada|U.S. invasion of Grenada]] in October 1983, her aircraft flew troops of the [[82nd Airborne Division]] from (then) [[Pope Air Force Base]] in [[North Carolina]] to [[Grenada]], and took thirty-six medical students back. From 1986 to 1989, she was an assistant professor in mathematics and a [[Cessna T-41 Mescalero|T-41]] instructor pilot at the [[United States Air Force Academy|U.S. Air Force Academy]] in [[Colorado]]. She earned a Master of Science degree in [[operations research]] from [[Stanford University]] in 1986, and a Master of Arts degree in space systems management from [[Webster University]] in 1989. That year, she became the second woman pilot to attend the [[USAF Test Pilot School]], graduating with class 89B.

In 1990, Collins was selected to be a pilot astronaut with [[NASA Astronaut Group 13]]. She flew the Space Shuttle as the pilot of the 1995 [[STS-63]] mission, which involved a [[space rendezvous]] between {{OV|Discovery|full=nolink}} and the Russian space station ''[[Mir]]''. She was also the pilot for [[STS-84]] in 1997. She became the first woman to command a US spacecraft with [[STS-93]], which launched in July 1999 and deployed the [[Chandra X-Ray Observatory]]. In 2005 she commanded [[STS-114]], NASA's "return to flight" mission after the [[Space Shuttle Columbia disaster|Space Shuttle ''Columbia'' disaster]], to test safety improvements, and resupply the [[International Space Station]] (ISS). During this mission she became the first astronaut to fly the [[Space Shuttle orbiter]] through a complete [[Rendezvous pitch maneuver|360-degree pitch maneuver]] so astronauts aboard the ISS could take photographs of its belly to ensure there was no threat from debris-related damage during re-entry. She retired from the USAF in January 2005 with the rank of [[colonel (United States)|colonel]], and from NASA in May 2006.

==Early life==
Eileen Marie Collins was born in [[Elmira, New York]], on 19 November 1956.<ref name="NASA bio">{{cite web |title=Biographical Data: Eileen Marie Collins (Colonel, Ret.) NASA Astronaut (Former), USAF |date=May 2006 |publisher=[[NASA]] |url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/collins_eileen.pdf |access-date=15 January 2021}}</ref> Her parents were James Edward Collins and his wife Rose Marie {{nee}} O'Hara.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=2, 7}}<ref name="Astronaut Candidates Selected" >{{cite wikisource |last1=Carr |first1=Jeffrey |author1-link=Johnson Space Center |plainchapter=[[s:JSC News Release Log 1990/90-006 |1990 Astronaut Candidates Selected]] |title=JSC News Release Log 1990 |location=[[Houston, Texas]] |publisher=[[NASA]] |date=17 January 1990 |id=90-006}}</ref> Her father's ancestors came to the United States from [[County Cork]] in Ireland in the mid-1800s, settling in [[Pennsylvania]] and Elmira, New York.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Col. Eileen Collins's 2016 Hall of Fame Speech |magazine=[[Irish America (magazine) |Irish America]] |issn=0884-4240 |date=April 2016 |url=https://www.irishamerica.com/2016/04/eileen-collinss-2016-hall-of-fame-speech/ |access-date=14 June 2022}}</ref>{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=8–11}} She had three siblings: an older brother, a younger sister, and a younger brother.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|p=2}} Her father served in the [[US Navy]] in the [[Pacific War|Pacific Theater]] during World War II. After the war he managed the family bar, and then became a [[surveyor]]. Her parents separated when she was young, and her mother took a job as a [[stenographer]] at the [[Elmira Correctional Facility]]. As a child, Collins was shy and needed speech therapy for her stutter.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=8–11}} She joined the [[Girl Scouts of the USA|Girl Scouts]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Girl Scout Astronauts |publisher=NASA |url=http://spaceflightsystems.grc.nasa.gov/girlscouts/gsusa_astro.html |access-date=20 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721050138/http://spaceflightsystems.grc.nasa.gov/girlscouts/gsusa_astro.html |archive-date=21 July 2011}}</ref> She expressed an early interest in becoming a pilot, subscribing to ''[[Air Force Magazine]]'' and reading books about World War II-era military aviators such as ''[[Fate Is the Hunter]]'' and ''[[God Is My Co-Pilot (book)|God Is My Co-Pilot]]''.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|p=22}}<ref>{{cite news |title=A Fighting Georgian |last=Adams |first=Frank S. |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=25 July 1943 |page=40 |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1943/07/25/83932987.html?pageNumber=40 |access-date=13 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Lady Luck Is Co-Pilot |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |last=Caidin |first=Martin |author-link=Martin Caidin |date=12 February 1961 |page=133 |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1961/02/12/118022795.html?pageNumber=133 |access-date=13 January 2023}}</ref>

Collins attended St. Patrick's School in Elmira up to the [[eighth grade#United States|eighth grade]] and then [[Notre Dame High School (Elmira, New York)|Notre Dame High School]], a Catholic high school,{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=8–11}}<ref>{{cite news |last=Kosmicki |first=Joe |title=Astronaut visits Holy Family School |date=15 June 2022 |newspaper=[[Catholic Courier]] |url=https://catholiccourier.com/articles/astronaut-visits-holy-family-school/ |access-date=12 August 2022}}</ref> but was unhappy there. The family home was badly damaged by flooding caused by [[Hurricane Agnes]] in June 1972, and with finances tight, she was able to convince her mother to allow her to transfer to [[Elmira Free Academy]], a public high school. After graduating from Elmira Free Academy in 1974, Collins considered enlisting in the [[US Air Force]], but her father was adamantly opposed.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=15–20}} Instead, she attended [[Corning Community College]], where she earned an associate degree in mathematics in 1976. She then entered [[Syracuse University]], which she chose because it had an [[Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps]] (AFROTC) program.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=21–24}}<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Catching Up With A&S Alumna and Astronaut Eileen Collins |magazine=A&S Magazine |date=Spring 2022 |publisher=[[Syracuse University College of Arts and Sciences]] |language=en-us |url=https://thecollege.syr.edu/spring-22-magazine/catching-up-with-as-alumna-and-astronaut-eileen-collins/ |access-date=1 October 2022}}</ref>

In 1975, the [[United States Air Force]] (USAF) changed its policy to allow women to train as pilots, although only for non-combat missions. The first ten women chosen for pilot training in September 1976 were all serving Air Force officers with four-year college degrees. They graduated in September 1977. Collins noted their names and followed their progress and subsequent careers with interest, hoping to soon follow in their footsteps.<ref name="When Women Earned Their Wings">{{cite magazine |last=Johnson |first=Kimberly |title=When Women Earned Their Wings: the USAF's First Crop of Female Pilots |magazine=[[Flying (magazine) |Flying]] |issn=|date=29 March 2022 |url=https://www.flyingmag.com/when-women-earned-their-wings-the-usafs-first-crop-of-female-pilots/ |access-date=15 June 2022}}</ref>{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=24–27}}

Six weeks after graduating from Corning, Collins reported to (then) [[Rickenbacker Air Force Base]], Ohio for her six-week AFROTC basic officer Field Training prior to commencing the AFROTC program at Syracuse that fall. Women had [[United States Air Force Basic Military Training#First Week|different fitness standards]] from men, but Collins was granted permission to do the morning run with the men, who had to run {{convert|12|furlong|km}} in less than 12 minutes.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=24–30}} The training included classes on the history of the USAF and the theory of flight, a ride in a [[Fairchild C-123 Provider]], and a flight in a [[Cessna T-37 Tweet]] with an instructor. She took flying lessons in a [[Cessna 150]] at [[Elmira Corning Regional Airport]], eventually flying solo, but did not have time to complete all the requirements for a [[private pilot license]].{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=24–30}}

In January 1978, Collins received orders to report to [[Offutt Air Force Base]] upon graduation from Syracuse, to become a computer systems engineer. Before this could occur, the Syracuse AFROTC commander, Colonel Vernon Hagen, informed her that the USAF was now accepting up to ten women from AFROTC programs for pilot training; the first ten women graduated on 2 September 1977.<ref>{{cite news |title=This Day In Aviation History Graduation of The First 10 Female Air Force Pilots |publisher=Warbirds News |url=https://warbirdsnews.com/warbird-articles/this-day-in-aviation-history-graduation-of-the-first-10-female-air-force-pilots.html |access-date=21 January 2023}}</ref>{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=32–33}} He offered to put her name forward. Collins eagerly accepted the offer, but a physical examination at [[Hancock Field Air National Guard Base]] revealed that although she had 20/20 [[visual acuity]] in her right eye, she had only 20/25 in the left, leading to her being rejected. Hagen told her to rest her eyes, and ordered a re-test, which she passed.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=32–33}} She graduated later that year with a [[Bachelor of Arts]] in mathematics and economics.<ref name="commencement"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Today in History – Syracuse University Graduate Eileen Collins Chosen as First Woman to Pilot Space Shuttle |date=18 March 2015 |publisher=Onondaga Historical Association |url=https://www.cnyhistory.org/2015/03/eileen-collins/ |access-date=14 May 2019}}</ref>

==Air Force career==
Upon graduation from Syracuse, Collins was commissioned as a [[second lieutenant]] in the USAF. She received orders to report to [[Lackland Air Force Base]] in [[Texas]] for the Flight Screening Program (FSP) In August 1978. She was one of four women in the class; there were ten men.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=34–36}} The purpose of the FSP was to screen out unsuitable pilots before sending them to the more expensive [[Undergraduate Pilot Training]] (UPT) program.<ref>{{cite report |title=Flight Screening Program Effects on Attrition in Undergraduate Pilot Training |last1=Stoker |first1=Peter |last2=Hunter |first2=David R. |last3=Kantor |first3=Jeffrey E. |last4=Quebe |first4=John C. |last5=Siem |first5=Frederick M. |publisher=United States Air Force |location=Brooks Air Force Base, Texas |date=August 1987 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235086981 |access-date=19 January 2023}}</ref> Collins was almost eliminated on medical grounds due to her left eye and a suspected [[heart murmur]], but was cleared to fly. Training flights were conducted from nearby [[Hondo Municipal Airport]] in [[Cessna T-41 Mescalero]] aircraft.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=34–36}}<ref>{{cite web |title=OTS salutes heritage with T-41 display |publisher=Air University |date=29 October 2010 |last=Wright |first=Kimberly L. |url=https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/News/Display/Article/420761/ots-salutes-heritage-with-t-41-display/ |access-date=19 January 2023}}</ref>

[[File:Eileen Collins in 1979.jpg|thumb|With her [[Northrop T-38 Talon|T-38]] when she graduated from flight school at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma in August 1979]]
For her UPT, Collins requested that she be assigned to [[Williams Air Force Base]] in [[Arizona]], where the first ten women had trained,<ref name="When Women Earned Their Wings"/>{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=36–38}} but the USAF personnel office decided to send her to [[Vance Air Force Base]] in [[Enid, Oklahoma]]. There were three other women in her class, 79–08. She decorated her helmet with the logo E = mc<sup>2</sup>, an allusion to both her initials and [[Albert Einstein]]'s [[mass–energy equivalence]] equation. Flight training was conducted in the T-37 Tweet.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=36–38}} On 24 November 1978, she became the first member of her class to fly solo.<ref name="Vance">{{cite web |title=First female Space Shuttle commander left powerful legacy at Vance |publisher=Vance Air Force Base |last=Fisher |first=Cassidy |date=31 August 2021 |url=https://www.vance.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2760510/first-female-space-shuttle-commander-left-powerful-legacy-at-vance/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903234918/https://www.vance.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2760510/first-female-space-shuttle-commander-left-powerful-legacy-at-vance/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 September 2021 |access-date=16 June 2022}}</ref>

The second phase of instruction began in March 1979 in the [[Northrop T-38 Talon]], a [[jet trainer]]. She received her [[United States Aviator Badge|pilot wings]] at the conclusion of this training, and was selected to become a flight instructor.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=48–52}} There remained some training before she could join an operational unit. First, there was a week of [[Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape]] training.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=52–59}} The top-ranking members of the class went on to fly single-pilot aircraft, while the others became co-pilots. Most single-pilot aircraft were combat aircraft, which woman could not yet fly, so she stayed on at Vance as a [[T-38 Talon]] instructor pilot. This involved four weeks of pilot instructor training, which was conducted at [[Randolph Air Force Base]] in [[San Antonio, Texas]].{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=59–62}} She was the first woman to become a T-38 instructor pilot,<ref name="Vance"/> and the only woman flight instructor at Vance between September 1979 and December 1982.<ref>{{cite web |title=Women's History Month honors unforgettable servicewomen |last=Carroll |first=Jennifer |date=14 March 2007 |publisher=Vance Air Force Base |url=https://www.vance.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/371718/womens-history-month-honors-unforgettable-servicewomen/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119031939/https://www.vance.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/371718/womens-history-month-honors-unforgettable-servicewomen/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 January 2023 |access-date=19 January 2023}}</ref>

Now a [[Captain (United States O-3)|captain]], Collins set her sights on becoming an [[astronaut]]. To achieve this goal, she aimed to graduate from the [[USAF Test Pilot School]]. Entry required at least one year as an aircraft commander in an operational aircraft and over one thousand hours flying time. She had already accumulated over a thousand hours flying as an instructor at Vance, but the USAF does not consider a trainer an operational aircraft, unlike a fighter, bomber, reconnaissance, transport, or refueling aircraft. Collins requested an assignment flying the [[Convair F-106 Delta Dart]], [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II]], or [[Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II]], but women were still not permitted to fly combat aircraft, so she was assigned to [[Travis Air Force Base]] in [[California]], to fly the [[Lockheed C-141 Starlifter]], a transport aircraft that had been her 21st choice, as a co-pilot. She flew long-range missions such as the "Double Diego" run to [[Diego Garcia]] via [[Hickam Air Force Base]] in [[Hawaii]], [[Andersen Air Force Base]] on [[Guam]], and [[Clark Air Base]] in the Philippines. The aircraft then flew to Clark and Diego Garcia again, before heading homeward via Singapore, [[Kadena Air Base]] on [[Okinawa Island|Okinawa]], [[Yokota Air Base]] in Japan and [[Elmendorf Air Force Base]] in [[Alaska]]. She also flew the "coral run" to [[Kwajalein Atoll]], [[Wake Island]], [[Johnston Atoll]], and [[Midway Atoll]], and to European destinations in Germany, Spain, Italy, Turkey, and the United Kingdom in support of the annual [[Exercise Reforger|Reforger exercises]].{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=72–77}}

[[File:Eileen Collins at Edwards AFB.jpg|thumb|left|With an [[F-4 Phantom II]] at [[Edwards Air Force Base]] on graduation from the [[USAF Test Pilot School]] in June 1990]]
During the invasion of Grenada in October 1983, her aircraft flew troops of the [[82nd Airborne Division]] from (then) [[Pope Air Force Base]] in [[North Carolina]] to [[Grenada]], and took thirty-six medical students back. Although women were not supposed to fly in combat, the USAF gave her combat pay for the mission,{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=78–83}}{{sfn|Shayler|Moule|2006|p=273}} and awarded her the [[Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal]].<ref name="Chandra">{{cite web |title=Chandra Press Room :: CXC Biographies :: Eileen Collins (Colonel, USAF) |publisher=Harvard University |date=July 1999 |url=https://chandra.harvard.edu/press/bios/collins_bio.html |access-date=19 January 2023}}</ref> After nine months as a co-pilot, she was upgraded to first pilot. After attending aircraft commander school at [[Altus Air Force Base]] in Oklahoma, and [[aerial refueling]] training, she was upgraded to aircraft commander in June 1984.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=78–83}}

From August 1986 to June 1989, Collins was assigned to the [[United States Air Force Academy]] in [[Colorado]], where she was an assistant professor in mathematics, teaching courses on [[calculus]] and [[linear algebra]], and a T-41 instructor pilot.{{sfn|Shayler|Moule|2006|p=273}}{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=87–90}} Through the [[Air Force Institute of Technology]], she earned a [[Master of Science]] in [[operations research]] from [[Stanford University]] in 1986,<ref name="Chandra"/>{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=87–90}} and a [[Master of Arts]] in space systems management from [[Webster University]] in 1989.<ref name=" Astronaut Candidates Selected"/> She had begun dating a fellow C-141 pilot,<ref name="texasmthly">{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Evan |title=Eileen Collins on what's ailing NASA |website=Texas Monthly |language=en |date=1 July 2006 |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-culture/eileen-collins/ |access-date=3 August 2023}}</ref> James P. (Pat) Youngs, in August 1983.<ref name=" Astronaut Candidates Selected"/> Youngs was also posted to the Air Force Academy, as a [[golf]] instructor. They were married on 1 August 1987. Youngs eventually left the USAF to fly as a commercial pilot for [[Delta Air Lines]], thereby giving himself the flexibility to follow Collins as her career progressed.<ref name="texasmthly"/>

Earning an advanced degree improved her chances of being selected for the USAF Test Pilot School at [[Edwards Air Force Base]] in California, but USAF rules required officers to pay back their tuition by serving with the duty assignment that provided the funding. This meant that she was supposed to remain at the Air Force Academy for three years. She hoped that this rule would be waived, but her first two applications for the USAF Test Pilot School were rejected on these grounds. When she applied for a third time in 1989, she had been in the USAF for longer than the ten-year maximum allowed before entering the USAF Test Pilot School, but this time a waiver was granted.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=91–92}} In the meantime, Captain Jacquelyn Susan "Jackie" Parker became the first woman to graduate from the USAF Test Pilot School in 1988.<ref>{{cite news |title=Woman Faced Tough Odds in Botched Pilot Training |last=Richter |first=Paul |date=17 January 1998 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jan-17-mn-9123-story.html |access-date=16 June 2022}}</ref>

Collins became the second woman pilot to attend when she joined Class 89B in June 1989.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=96–99}}{{sfn|USAF Test Pilot School|1994|p=241}} She was also the most senior member of the class, as she was the only one with the rank of [[major (United States)|major]], which made her the class leader.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=96–99}} At Edwards she flew several types of aircraft, including the [[Lockheed TR-1]], [[P-3 Orion]], and [[C-130 Hercules]], the [[de Havilland Canada UV-18 Twin Otter]], the [[Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker]], [[Cessna A-37 Dragonfly]], [[Learjet 24]], [[Beechcraft King Air]], [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon]], and [[F-111]], [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II]], [[Vought A-7 Corsair II]], and the [[Goodyear Blimp]].{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=107–114}} She graduated in June 1990.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|p=130}}

==Astronaut career==

===Selection and training===
[[File:Eileen Collins attending a survival training course at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma.webp|thumb|right|Attending a survival training course at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma]]
On 17 April 1989, the [[National Air and Space Administration]] (NASA) announced that it was selecting another class of astronauts.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Deadline Set For Next Astronaut Selection |id=89-021 |last=Carr |first=Jeffrey |date=17 April 1989 |publisher=NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/83141main_1989.pdf |access-date=16 June 2022 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061011023437/http://www1.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/83141main_1989.pdf |archive-date=11 October 2006}}</ref> Collins's application was one of nearly 2,500 received by the 30 June 1989 deadline, of which 1,945 met the minimum requirements for pilots or [[mission specialist]]s.<ref name="Astronaut Class of 1990 Selection Underway">{{cite press release |title=Astronaut Class of 1990 Selection Underway |id=89-046 |last=Carr |first=Jeffrey |date=8 September 1989 |publisher=NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/83141main_1989.pdf |access-date=16 June 2022 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061011023437/http://www1.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/83141main_1989.pdf |archive-date=11 October 2006}}</ref> Because she had not yet graduated from the USAF Test Pilot School, the USAF submitted her application as one for a mission specialist.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|p=134}} NASA convened a selection board chaired by the Director of Flight Crew Operations, [[Don Puddy]], which also included [[Carolyn Huntoon]], the Director of Life Sciences; Joseph Atkinson, the Chief of Equal Opportunity Programs;<ref name="Astronaut Class of 1990 Selection Underway"/> and astronauts [[John Young (astronaut)|John Young]], [[Charles Bolden]], [[Robert L. Gibson|Hoot Gibson]], [[Rhea Seddon]], [[Jerry L. Ross|Jerry Ross]], and [[Mary Cleave]].{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=124–126}}

In September 1989, Collins received a call from Duane Ross, the selection board's administrative officer, inviting her to come to the [[Johnson Space Center]] (JSC) with the second of five groups of hopefuls for a week of interviews, examinations, medical evaluations, and orientation, commencing on 2 October 1989.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Second Group of Astronaut Hopefuls to Arrive at JSC |id=89-051 |last=Carr |first=Jeffrey |date=28 September 1989 |publisher=NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/83141main_1989.pdf |access-date=16 June 2022 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061011023437/http://www1.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/83141main_1989.pdf |archive-date=11 October 2006}}</ref>{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|p=118}} Once again, her eyesight proved a problem; she failed the depth perception test, but the doctor allowed her to take an alternative test, which she passed.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|p=123}} On 16 January 1990, she saw a note on the message board asking her to call Duane Ross. When she called she was put through to John Young, who informed her that she had been selected. When he asked if she had any questions, she asked if she was to be a pilot or a mission specialist. Young laughed and told her: "Pilot! Yes, pilot. You will be the first woman to pilot the [[Space Shuttle]]!"{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=127–128}}

[[File:Collins with a T-38.jpg|thumb|left|Near a NASA [[Northrop T-38 Talon|T-38]] trainer jet at [[Ellington Field]] near the [[Johnson Space Center]] in [[Houston]] ]]
Collins's selection as one of the twenty-three [[astronaut candidate]]s (ASCANs) in [[NASA Astronaut Group 13]] was publicly announced on 17 January 1990.<ref name="Astronaut Candidates Selected"/> The group called themselves the "Hairballs".<ref>{{cite news |title=Astronaut hopefuls don't mind being 'Chumps' |date=10 October 2009 |last=Pearlman |first=Robert Z. |publisher=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna33247914 |access-date=23 January 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514143741/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna33247914 |archive-date=14 May 2021}}</ref> She reported for duty at JSC on 16 July 1990, after graduating from the USAF Test Pilot School. She knew one other member of the group well: [[Susan Helms]] had been a fellow assistant professor at the Air Force Academy and graduate student at Stanford.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=131–133}} Pilot ASCANs honed their skills flying the T-38, an aircraft with which Collins was already familiar. They attended classes on the Space Shuttle and its systems, and trained in a low-fidelity simulator. Land survival training was conducted at [[Fairchild Air Force Base]] in [[Washington (state)|Washington]], water survival training at [[Naval Air Station Pensacola]] in [[Florida]], and parachute training at Vance Air Force Base. Although their training was intended to take a year, the ASCANs were moved on to operational roles after nine months. Collins was assigned to [[Space Shuttle orbiter|orbiter]] systems, with particular responsibility for the [[auxiliary power unit]]s.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=137–140}}

After nine months in this assignment, Collins was sent to the [[Kennedy Space Center]] (KSC) in Florida as an astronaut support person (ASP), also known as a Cape Crusader. This was another routine assignment that astronauts did to familiarize them with the Space Shuttle's systems and procedures. ASPs handled the checkout of the systems in the hangar and on the launch pad. As members of the KSC closeout crew, they strapped the astronauts into their seats before takeoff, and helped them out again after landing. Collins spent sixteen months as an ASP, assisting with ten Space Shuttle missions between February 1992 and June 1993. After so long away from JSC, her skills in the simulator had become rusty, so the [[Chief of the Astronaut Office]], Hoot Gibson, returned her to JSC for duty as a [[capsule communicator]] (CAPCOM).{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=140–145}}

===STS-63===
{{Main|STS-63}}
Collins first flew the Space Shuttle as pilot in 1995 aboard [[STS-63]]. This was the first time a woman had piloted the Space Shuttle.<ref name="STS-63"/> Delays in the flight schedule meant that she was the second-last member of her class to fly in space.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=150–153}} Two more women pilots joined the Astronaut Corps in 1995 with [[NASA Astronaut Group 15]]: [[Pamela Melroy]] and [[Susan Kilrain|Susan Still]]. They would be the only other women to pilot the Space Shuttle in its thirty-year history.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=176, 180–181}}
[[File:Astronaut Eileen Collins at the Pilot's Station on Shuttle Discovery.jpg|thumb|right|At the pilot's station onboard {{OV|Discovery|full=nolink}} on flight day one of the STS-63 mission during a "hotfiring" procedure prior to rendezvous with the Russian [[Mir Space Station]]]]
The STS-63 mission included a [[space rendezvous]] between the {{OV|Discovery|full=nolink}} and the Russian space station ''[[Mir]]''. This was the first time a Space Shuttle made an approach and flyaround of ''Mir'', although it did not dock. The crew included a [[cosmonaut]], [[Vladimir Georgiyevich Titov]], who had lived on ''Mir'' for a year. He became the second cosmonaut to fly on the Space Shuttle.<ref name="STS-63">{{cite web |title=STS-63 |publisher=NASA |date=4 July 2013 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission/sts-63/ |access-date=11 December 2024}}</ref>

In preparation for the mission, Collins flew over 500 approaches and landings in the [[Shuttle Training Aircraft]] (STA), a NASA training vehicle that duplicated the orbiter's approach profile and handling qualities. The crew paid a visit to Russia and visited [[Star City, Russia|Star City]] and aircraft and spacecraft museums in the Moscow area, and sat in the cockpit of the ''[[Buran (spacecraft)|Buran]]'' spacecraft, the Russian equivalent of the Space Shuttle.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=150–153}} On Collins's invitation, seven of the surviving members of the [[Mercury 13]] attended the launch on 3 February 1995.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Mercury 13 Story |last=Funk |first=Wally |work=The Ninety-Nines |url=https://www.ninety-nines.org/mercury13.htm |access-date=12 June 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090507083703/http://www.ninety-nines.org/mercury.html |archive-date=7 May 2009}}</ref>

A series of thruster burns brought ''Discovery'' into line with ''Mir''. The mission plan called for an approach to no less than {{convert|10|m|yd|sp=us}} of ''Mir'', followed by a flyaround. This was delayed by problems with three of the orbiter's 44 [[Reaction Control System]] (RCS) thrusters, which sprang leaks. Some thrusters could be shut off, but one thruster, R1U, was required for rendezvous, and could not. Eventually all its contents leaked into space and it was safe to approach ''Mir''.<ref name="STS-63"/>

As well as rendezvousing with ''Mir'', ''Discovery'' carried the [[Spacehab module]] and the SPARTAN-204 astronomy satellite.<ref name="STS-63"/> Collins had never experienced [[airsickness]], but felt nauseous. This was remedied by a [[Phenergan]] shot, but she only ate [[Chex]] on the first three days, taking dinner for the first time on the fourth.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=162–164}} Her responsibilities included running the Fluids Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus-1 (FGBA-1), a [[Coca-Cola]] dispensing machine. Astronauts rated control samples before and after flight.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=169–171}} ''Discovery'' landed back at KSC on 11 February 1995, after 8 days, 6 hours, and 28 minutes in flight.<ref name="STS-63"/>

Soon after returning from space, Collins became pregnant. Her first child, Bridget, was born nine months later.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=176, 180–181}}<ref>{{cite news |last=Brady |first=James |title=In Step With... Eileen Collins |publisher=parade.com |date=12 March 2006 |url=http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2006/edition_03-12-2006/Brady |access-date=8 February 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061017185740/http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2006/edition_03-12-2006/Brady |archive-date=17 October 2006}}</ref>

===STS-84===
{{Main|STS-84}}
In August 1995, Collins was assigned to her second mission, [[STS-84]]. This mission would dock with ''Mir'', leave astronaut [[Michael Foale]] behind for a four-month stay, and return with astronaut [[Jerry Linenger]] at the conclusion of his stay on ''Mir''. Foale had been with Collins on the STS-63 mission. This time the cosmonaut on the mission would be [[Yelena Kondakova]], who had spent 169 days on ''Mir'' between October 1994 to March 1995 as part of the [[Mir EO-17|''Mir'' EO-17]] mission. Collins had glimpsed her during the STS-63 mission. The mission commander, [[Charles Precourt]], spoke Russian fluently. The crew also included a French [[ESA]] astronaut, [[Jean-François Clervoy]].<ref name="Kondakova"/>{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=181–183}}

[[File:STS084-357-025 - STS-084 - Crewmember activity in the flight deck - DPLA - 3cc8271780a15ed6bcfe974661617373.jpg|thumb|left|In front of the overhead flight deck windows where the ''Mir'' Space Station is visible during the [[STS-84]] mission]]
The STS-84 mission used the {{OV|Atlantis|full=nolink}}, which had a reputation as the least troublesome orbiter, and for this mission carried two Spacehab modules instead of just one.<ref name="Kondakova">{{cite press release |title=Cosmonaut Kondakova Named to STS-84 Crew |last1=Campion |first1=Ed |last2=Hawley |first2=Eileen |date=22 August 1996 |id=96-171 |publisher=NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/1996/96-171.txt |access-date=20 June 2022 |archive-date=20 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620081011/https://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/1996/96-171.txt |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=181–183}} In preparation for the mission, Collins completed one hundred hours of Russian language classroom training, but she usually relied on Precourt translating for her. The crew traveled to Star City to study ''Mir''{{'}}s systems and had dinner at the home of Kondakova and her husband, cosmonaut [[Valeri Ryumin]], now the president of [[Energia (corporation)|Energia]], the Russian space agency.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=184–186}}

''Atlantis'' lifted off from KSC on 15 May 1997. For Collins, it was the first and only time a launch had occurred without delays. Nor were there any leaking thrusters; ''Atlantis'' docked with ''Mir'' without incident the next day. This time, Collins felt no nausea. Crew members were exchanged, and {{convert|7,300|lb}} of equipment, spare parts, experiments, and supplies were transferred to ''Mir'', of which {{convert|1,000|lb}} was water.<ref name="STS-84">{{cite web |title=STS-84 |publisher=NASA |date=4 July 2013 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/archives/sts-84.html |access-date=20 June 2022}}</ref>

Collins spent most of the time filling bags with drinking water.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|p=192}} She also carried out a photographic survey of the exterior of ''Mir'' through portholes on ''Mir'' and the overhead windows on ''Atlantis''{{'}}s flight deck.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|p=195}} The [[Mir EO-23|''Mir'' EO-23]] mission commander, [[Vasily Tsibliyev]] produced a small bottle of [[Courvoisier]] [[cognac]], and everyone had a couple of sips. Alcohol consumption was banned on the Space Shuttle, but not on ''Mir''.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|p=192}} The rest of the mission was taken up conducting experiments. Collins photographed [[Comet Hale–Bopp]], the brightest comet seen in the sky for many years.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|p=197}} ''Atlantis'' returned to KSC on 24 May after a flight lasting 9 days, 23 hours, and 20 minutes.<ref name="STS-84"/>

===STS-93===
{{Main|STS-93}}
The usual practice at this time was for a pilot astronaut to fly two missions as a pilot and then go on to command a mission. Collins had heard of the [[Chandra X-ray Observatory|Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility]] (AXAF) and indicated to the Chief of the Astronaut Office, [[Bob Cabana]], that she was interested in flying the mission to deploy it. A few months later, JSC deputy director [[Jim Wetherbee]] and director [[George Abbey (NASA)|George Abbey]] informed her that she was to be assigned to the mission,{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=205–206}} which was designated [[STS-93]]. This would be the first time that a woman commanded a Space Shuttle mission, so the official announcement of her assignment was made by the [[first lady]], [[Hillary Clinton]], in the [[Roosevelt Room]] of the White House on 5 March 1998.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Collins Named First Female Shuttle Commander |last1=McCarter |first1=Jennifer |last2=Hawley |first2=Eileen |date=5 March 1998 |id=98-37 |publisher=NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/1998/98-037.txt |access-date=20 June 2022 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091028191729/https://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/1998/98-037.txt |archive-date=28 October 2009}}</ref>

[[File:President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton stand with Eileen Collins.jpg|thumb|right|With President [[Bill Clinton]] and First Lady [[Hillary Clinton]] on 29 October 1998]]
[[Jeffrey Ashby]], a rookie astronaut, was assigned as Collins's pilot. To deploy the AXAF, she had NASA mission specialist astronaut [[Cady Coleman]] and French [[CNES]] astronaut [[Michel Tognini]]. Originally, [[Winston E. Scott]] was to be the second mission specialist, but NASA headquarters wanted an astronomer with experience with the [[inertial upper stage]] (IUS) that would deploy the AXAF. [[Steven Hawley]] was the only available astronaut who met both these requirements. Hawley was a very senior astronaut who had been selected with [[NASA Astronaut Group 8]] in 1978, and had helped deploy the [[Hubble Space Telescope]] in 1990 and service it in 1997. Collins was apprehensive that Hawley would attempt to command the mission. Her fears proved groundless; Hawley offered wisdom and advice but made no attempt to interfere with Collins's command of the mission.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=208–209}}

The STS-93 mission was not routine. The {{OV|Columbia|full=nolink}} had to be used because its airlock was inside the crew compartment instead of the payload bay. This meant that it was the only orbiter that could accommodate the AXAF and the IUS. Initially scheduled for January 1999, the launch date was delayed due to an investigation of a failed USAF [[Titan IV]] launch using the IUS and problems that were discovered during testing of the AXAF (now named the [[Chandra X-ray Observatory]]). This pushed the launch date back to April and then to July, when ''Columbia'' was scheduled for fifteen months' maintenance in [[Palmdale, California]].{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=210–214}}

Because the AXAF weighed {{convert|30,852|lb}} and the IUS weighed {{convert|12,930|lb}}, this was the heaviest payload ever launched by the Space Shuttle. To save weight, the crew was reduced to five members, and consumables to those needed for a five-day mission.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=210–214}} This made it the shortest scheduled mission since 1990.<ref name="STS-93"/> Two of the five pairs of tanks holding [[hydrogen]] and [[oxygen]] for the [[fuel cell]]s were removed, as was the [[canadarm|robotic arm]], so any problems had to be resolved in the payload bay, as the Chandra could not be retrieved. The large mass shifted ''Columbia''{{'}}s [[center of gravity]], rendering a landing after an emergency abort extremely hazardous.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=210–214}}

[[File:Eileen Collins (S93-E-5033, 1999-07-24).jpg|thumb|left|At the commander's station on {{OV|Columbia|full=nolink}} on the first day of the [[STS-93]] mission]]
The launch day of 20 July 1999, coincided with the thirtieth anniversary of the [[Apollo 11]] Moon landing mission, so former astronauts [[Neil Armstrong]], [[Buzz Aldrin]], and [[Michael Collins (astronaut)|Michael Collins]] were at KSC to watch the launch. Observers also included Hillary Clinton and the [[United States women's national soccer team]], who had recently won the [[1999 FIFA Women's World Cup]].{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|p=218}} The launch countdown proceeded smoothly until ''Columbia''{{'}}s hazardous gas detection system highlighted an unacceptably high hydrogen concentration in the aft engine compartment, and the countdown was halted less than half a second before the [[Space Shuttle main engine]]s (SSMEs) were to have started.<ref name="STS-93">{{cite web |title=STS-93 |publisher=NASA |date=4 July 2013 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/archives/sts-93.html |access-date=21 June 2022}}</ref> Had they been started, they would have had to be replaced, which would have taken a month, pushing it into the scheduled maintenance window.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|p=221}}

There was no fuel leak; the sensor was faulty. The launch was rescheduled for two days later. It then had to be postponed a further day due to bad weather. On the third launch attempt, there was a seven-minute delay due to a communications problem, but ''Columbia'' lifted off at last on 23 July. One of the main engine controllers failed during takeoff, and one of the main engines cut out prematurely. As a result, the orbit reached was {{convert|7|mi}} lower than intended but the situation could have been much worse; the engine problem was caused by a pin that had come loose and struck the nozzle, rupturing three liquid hydrogen coolant tubes. Had the controller not been faulty, it might have pumped more liquid oxygen and caused the engine to explode.<ref name="STS-93"/>{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|p=226}} After the flight, faults were found not just in ''Columbia'', but in ''Discovery'' and {{OV|Endeavour|full=no}} as well, and the whole Space Shuttle fleet was grounded until December.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|p=234}}

''Columbia'' eventually reached the proper orbit and the Chandra X-ray Observatory was successfully deployed. For the remainder of the mission, the crew used the Southwest Ultraviolet Imaging System (SWUIS) to take ultraviolet images of the Earth, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter.<ref name="STS-93"/> Collins used the [[Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment]] (SAREX) to talk to children on [[amateur radio station]]s with her call sign KD5EDS. On 27 July, Collins brought ''Columbia'' in for a night landing, the twelfth of the Space Shuttle program.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=228–233}} The flight had lasted 4 days, 22 hours, and 50 minutes.<ref name="STS-93"/> She was awarded the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]] for this mission.<ref name="Decoration"/>

After a flight astronauts usually carried out a publicity tour. Collins appeared with Coleman on ''[[The Tonight Show with Jay Leno]]'' on 16 August. She opened the [[New York Stock Exchange]] on 7 January 2000, and appeared on the [[Oprah Winfrey]] show on 25 April 2000. She had a miscarriage in November 1999, but a son, Luke, was born in November 2000.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=236–237}}

===STS-114===
{{Main|STS-114}}
[[File:114215main walkout-lg.jpg|thumb|right|With the [[STS-114]] crew on their way to launch pad]]
After the STS-84 mission, Collins had become the head of the Vehicle Systems Branch of the Astronaut Office, which she had renamed the Spacecraft Systems Branch, as the scope of its work now included the [[International Space Station]] (ISS) as well as the Space Shuttle. She relinquished this position on being assigned to command STS-93. After returning from that mission, she became the chief information officer at the Astronaut Office. In that role she automated the scheduling system, an initiative of the new Chief of the Astronaut Office, Charles Precourt. She then became the chief of the Space Shuttle Branch, remaining in this role until November 2000, when she left on maternity leave. On returning to work in January 2001, she became the chief of the Safety Branch, replacing [[Rick Husband]], who left to command the [[STS-107]] mission. In turn, Collins handed over the position to [[Dom Gorie]] when she was assigned to command [[STS-114]] in late 2001.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=238–240}}

The STS-114 mission involved docking ''Atlantis'' with the ISS to transfer crewmen and supplies. [[James M. Kelly (astronaut)|Jim Kelly]] was assigned as the mission's pilot and [[Stephen Robinson]] and Japanese [[JAXA]] astronaut [[Soichi Noguchi]] were assigned as mission specialists. The mission would take [[Expedition 7]] to the ISS and bring [[Expedition 6]] back. Some {{convert|1,100|cuft}} of supplies would be transferred to the ISS from the [[Multi-Purpose Logistics Module]], which would then be filled with experiments, equipment that was no longer required, and garbage to be returned to Earth. Three spacewalks were scheduled, to install an external stowage platform on the ISS [[Quest Joint Airlock|''Quest'' Joint Airlock]] and to replace a gyroscope that had failed. Collins was concerned about the proposed workload; she knew from her experience on STS-93 that a hectic schedule and pressure to get things done often resulted in mistakes.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=240–241}}<ref>{{cite web |title=NASA – STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins: From 'Soaring Capital of America' to the Space Shuttle |last=Garcia |first=Mark |publisher=NASA |date=11 February 2005 |url=http://www.nasa.gov/vision/space/preparingtravel/eileen_collins_profile.html |access-date=17 July 2022 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050410032149/http://www.nasa.gov/vision/space/preparingtravel/eileen_collins_profile.html |archive-date=10 April 2005}}</ref>

Problems discovered with the propellant feed lines on ''Atlantis'' and then on ''Discovery'' in June 2002 led to the entire Space Shuttle fleet being grounded again until October, pushing the launch date back to 6 March 2003. The fleet was then grounded again after the [[Space Shuttle Columbia disaster|Space Shuttle ''Columbia'' disaster]] in February 2003.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=241–231}} STS-114 now became NASA's "return to flight" mission to test safety improvements in addition to resupplying the ISS.<ref name="STS-114"/> The crew remained the same, but instead of the ISS expedition crew members, STS-114 would take three additional mission specialists to handle the greater workload: [[Andy Thomas]] to coordinate the [[spacewalk]]s and [[Wendy Lawrence]] to operate the robotic arm,{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=258–260}} which was equipped with specialized cameras so that the Space Shuttle could be surveyed for damage.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=262–263}} STS-114 was already scheduled to be the next mission flown, but it is unlikely that it would have remained so if Collins and Kelly had not already flown a mission as commander and pilot respectively. Collins advocated for at least one rookie astronaut to be assigned to the flight, and [[Charles Camarda]] was added.{{sfn|Houston|2013|p=247}}

[[Rick Hauck]], who had commanded the return to flight mission after the [[Space Shuttle Challenger disaster|Space Shuttle ''Challenger'' disaster]], advised her to visit the contractors where the Space Shuttle components were made. She visited the [[Rockwell International]] plant in [[Canoga Park, California]], where the SSMEs were refurbished, the [[Thiokol]] factory in [[Brigham City, Utah]], where the [[Space Shuttle Solid Rocket boosters|solid rocket boosters]] (SRBs) were made, and the [[Michoud Assembly Facility]] in [[New Orleans, Louisiana]], where the [[Space Shuttle external tank]] was assembled.{{sfn|Houston|2013|pp=245–246}} Asked if she felt afraid after the loss of ''Columbia'', Collins replied: "I would have to say no. I want to fly again. I am very mentally ready to go fly again." Then pausing, noting that she wanted to be precise, she added "I am mentally ready to go fly again when the shuttle is cleared to fly."<ref>{{cite news |last=Yardley |first=Jim |author-link=Jim Yardley |title=Loss of the Shuttle: The Next Crew; A Shuttle Leader is Ready 'to Go Fly Again' |date=7 February 2003 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/07/us/loss-of-the-shuttle-the-next-crew-a-shuttle-leader-is-ready-to-go-fly-again.html |access-date=13 May 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Collins in Zvezda.jpg|thumb|left|Floating in the [[Zvezda (ISS module)|''Zvezda'' service module]] of the International Space Station while the Space Shuttle ''Discovery'' was docked]]
She expressed reservations about the studs that held the Space Shuttle in place on the launch pad. The bolts holding them were supposed to be ruptured by explosive charges on lift off, but not all had done so on every mission; nuts had failed to rupture on one in five missions. If too many failed to separate, the result could be catastrophic. A new detonator system was devised, but would not be available for STS-114. She also had concerns about the [[booster separation motor]]s that separated the SRBs from the orbiter. These were redesigned for STS-114. Finally, she expressed concern about [[rudder]]/[[air brake (aeronautics)|speed brake]] (RSB) [[actuator]]s. An inspection of the RSB actuators on ''Discovery'' revealed problems; these were rectified by taking parts from ''Endeavour''. Since it would take a month to inspect ''Atlantis,'' ''Discovery'' was substituted for ''Atlantis'' for the STS-114 mission.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=260–261}}

''Discovery'' was rolled out to the launch pad on 6 April 2005, but problems with the sensors in the external tank led to it being taken back to the [[Vehicle Assembly Building]] at KSC to swap the external tank. This pushed the launch date back to 13 July. Then the same problem recurred, causing another postponement.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=264–266}} The mission was launched on 26 July 2005, after a flawless countdown.<ref name="STS-114">{{cite web |title=STS-114 |publisher=NASA |date=4 July 2013 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/archives/sts-114.html |access-date=22 June 2022 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815084222/https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/archives/sts-114.html |archive-date=15 August 2017}}</ref> Although ''Discovery'' was not damaged, video of the launch revealed that the problem with debris striking the Space Shuttle had not been resolved.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=268–270}} Ten pieces of foam had broken off the external tank during liftoff, including a {{convert|36.3|x|110|x|6.7|in|cm|order=flip|sp=us|adj=on}} piece that was the largest ever recorded. This was the problem that had doomed ''Columbia'', and it had evidently not been fixed.{{sfn|Houston|2013|pp=250–251}} Collins blamed herself for not pushing Michoud harder to effect changes.{{sfn|Houston|2013|pp=249–250}}

The STS-114 mission continued, as ''Discovery'' was already in orbit, but the Space Shuttle fleet was grounded again.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=268–270}} Collins became the first astronaut to fly an orbiter through a complete [[Rendezvous pitch maneuver|360-degree pitch maneuver]]. This was necessary so the astronauts aboard the ISS could take photographs of ''Discovery''{{'}}s belly to ensure there was no threat from debris-related damage to the orbiter upon reentry. It was a difficult maneuver, but one that she had practised many times in the simulator. She then flew under the ISS and docked with it.{{sfn|Houston|2013|pp=252–253}} The inspections revealed some concerns: gap fillers were protruding between some of the tiles, which could cause them to pop out during re-entry.{{sfn|Houston|2013|p=254}} The three spacewalks and the transfer of supplies were carried out without problems.<ref name="STS-114"/> On the third spacewalk, Robinson rode the robotic arm to the underside of ''Discovery'' and removed the two most prominent protruding gap fillers.{{sfn|Houston|2013|p=254}}

''Discovery'' was supposed to land at KSC on 8 August but unfavorable weather led to a postponement until the next day, and the landing site was changed to Edwards Air Force Base. ''Discovery'' touched down after a mission lasting 13 days, 21 hours, and 33 minutes.<ref name="STS-114"/> This time, Collins was unhappy with her landing, feeling that it was slightly fast. She was relieved to find that the tires were in good shape. Although she had felt well in space on this mission, her feet hurt as the bones moved back into position back on the ground, and the pain took two weeks to subside.{{sfn|Collins|Ward|2021|pp=276–279}}

==Later life==
[[File:Eileen Collins 2016 RNC.jpg|thumb|right|Speaking at the [[2016 Republican National Convention]]]]
Collins retired from the U.S. Air Force in January 2005 with the rank of [[colonel (United States)|colonel]].<ref name="NASA bio"/> On 1 May 2006, NASA announced that she was leaving NASA to spend more time with her family and pursue other interests.<ref>{{cite press release |title=NASA Astronaut Eileen Collins Completes Career of Space Firsts |last1=Trinidad |first1=Katherine |last2=Peterson |first2=Doug |id=06-208 |date=1 May 2006 |publisher=NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2006/may/HQ_06208_Collins_retires.html |access-date=22 June 2022 |archive-date=22 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622040512/https://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2006/may/HQ_06208_Collins_retires.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> She had flown 6,751 hours in thirty different types of aircraft, and logged over 872 hours in space flights.<ref name="NASA bio"/>

After her retirement from the USAF and NASA, Collins served on the Board of Directors of [[USAA]], a San Antonio banking and insurance company, from 2006 to 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last1=White |first1=Ed |title=Trailblazing astronaut is really down to earth |website=afspc.af.mil |publisher=Air Force Space Command |location=Colorado Springs, Colorado |date=14 April 2008 |url=https://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/251116/trailblazing-astronaut-is-really-down-to-earth/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804103131/https://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/251116/trailblazing-astronaut-is-really-down-to-earth/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 August 2023 |access-date=4 August 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Mosbrucker |first1=Kristen |title=Veteran leaders: A peek at the USAA board of directors' compensation |website=bizjournals.com |publisher=San Antonio Business Journal |date=11 November 2016 |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2016/11/11/veteran-leaders-a-peek-at-the-usaa-board-of.html |access-date=4 August 2023}}</ref> She remained involved with NASA, as chair of the Space Operations Committee of the NASA Advisory Council<ref>{{cite web |title=NASA - Space Operations Committee of the NASA Advisory Council |website=nasa.gov |language=en |date=2 June 2011 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/somd/home/Space_Ops_Advisory_Council.html |access-date=4 August 2023 |archive-date=4 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804103130/https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/somd/home/Space_Ops_Advisory_Council.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> from 2007 to 2011.<ref>{{cite web |title=House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 114th Congress |website=govinfo.gov |location=Washington, D.C. |pages=34–35 |date=25 February 2016 |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-114hhrg20832/html/CHRG-114hhrg20832.htm |access-date=4 August 2023}}</ref>

Collins also made occasional public appearances as an analyst covering Shuttle launches and landings for [[CNN]].<ref>{{cite web |last=White |first=Glen |title=Space Shuttle Astronauts Curt Brown, Eileen Collins, and Bonnie Dunbar Inducted into U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame |publisher=Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex |date=20 April 2013 |url=https://media.kennedyspacecenter.com/kennedy/astronauthalloffameinduction2013.htm |access-date=16 July 2022 |archive-date=16 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716201745/https://media.kennedyspacecenter.com/kennedy/astronauthalloffameinduction2013.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> She was the commencement speaker at the 148th commencement of Syracuse University in May 2001.<ref name="commencement">{{cite web |title=NASA astronaut Eileen Collins to deliver Syracuse University/ESF 2001 Commencement address |publisher=SU News |date=12 January 2001 |language=en-US |url=https://news.syr.edu/blog/2001/01/12/nasa-astronaut-eileen-collins-to-deliver-syracuse-universityesf-2001-commencement-address/ |access-date=14 May 2019 |archive-date=15 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515184756/https://news.syr.edu/blog/2001/01/12/nasa-astronaut-eileen-collins-to-deliver-syracuse-universityesf-2001-commencement-address/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2001 Commencement Address |publisher=SU News |date=13 May 2001 |language=en-US |url=https://news.syr.edu/blog/2001/05/13/2001-commencement-address/ |access-date=14 May 2019 |archive-date=14 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514201534/https://news.syr.edu/blog/2001/05/13/2001-commencement-address/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> She addressed the [[2016 Republican National Convention]] in [[Cleveland, Ohio]], on 20 July 2016,<ref>{{cite web |title=Here is Wednesday's RNC Convention Schedule |first=Katie |date=20 July 2016 |last=Pavlich |url=https://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2016/07/20/here-is-wednesdays-rnc-convention-schedule-n2194766 |access-date=17 July 2022}}</ref> leading to speculation that [[Donald Trump]] might appoint her [[NASA administrator]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NASA Administrator Bridenstine? His name's in the mix for Trump's space team |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=11 November 2016 |publisher=[[SpaceNews]] |url=https://spacenews.com/nasa-administrator-bridenstine-his-names-in-the-mix-for-trumps-space-team/ |access-date=1 December 2016}}</ref>

==Awards and honors==
[[File:Eileen Collins inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Collins speaks after being inducted into the [[United States Astronaut Hall of Fame]] in 2013]]

As well as USAF Command Pilot (Astronaut) wings, Collins's awards and decorations include the [[Legion of Merit]],<ref name="Decoration">{{cite web |title=Eileen Collins – Recipient |publisher=Military Times |url=https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/393193 |access-date=21 June 2022}}</ref> the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]], the [[Defense Meritorious Service Medal]], [[Meritorious Service Medal (United States)|Meritorious Service Medal]] with an [[oak leaf cluster]], the [[Commendation Medal|Air Force Commendation Medal]] with an oak leaf cluster,<ref name="NASA bio"/> the [[NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal]], [[NASA Exceptional Service Medal]], and four [[NASA Space Flight Medal]]s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Historical Recipient List |publisher=NASA |url=https://searchpub.nssc.nasa.gov/servlet/sm.web.Fetch/Agency_Awards_Historical_Recipient_List.pdf?rhid=1000&did=2120817&type=released |access-date=24 April 2021}}</ref> She received the Golden Plate Award of the [[Academy of Achievement|American Academy of Achievement]] in 2001,<ref>{{cite web |title=Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement |publisher=[[American Academy of Achievement]] |url=https://achievement.org/our-history/golden-plate-awards/#science-exploration |access-date=17 July 2022}}</ref> the Free Spirit Award,<ref>{{cite web |title=Eileen Collins Receives Free Spirit of the Year Award |date=22 March 2006 |publisher=NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/multimedia/collins_20060322.html |access-date=21 June 2022 |archive-date=21 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621224257/https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/multimedia/collins_20060322.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> National Space Trophy,<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) |title=2006 National Space Trophy Recipient |url=https://rnasa.org/2006photos/2006winner.html |access-date=13 June 2022}}</ref> and [[Adler Planetarium]] Women in Space Science Award in 2006,<ref>{{cite web |title=Women in Space Science Award Celebration |date=2012 |publisher=Alder Planetarium |url=https://www.adlerplanetarium.org/wp-content/uploads/Women-in-Space-Science-2017-Sponsorship-Opportunities.pdf |access-date=21 June 2022}}</ref> the [[Space Foundation]] [[Douglas S. Morrow]] Public Outreach Award in 2007,<ref>{{cite web |title=Symposium Awards |publisher=National Space Symposium |url=http://www.nationalspacesymposium.org/symposium-awards |access-date=31 January 2012 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203060101/http://www.nationalspacesymposium.org/symposium-awards |archive-date=3 February 2009}}</ref> the [[Harmon Trophy]] in 2020,<ref>{{cite web |title=VFW Recognizes Col. Eileen Collins |publisher=Veterans of Foreign Wars |date=2 March 2022 |url=https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2020/3/vfw-recognizes-col-eileen-collins |access-date=21 June 2022}}</ref> and the [[Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy]] in 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Kate |title=Eileen Collins To Receive 2022 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy |date=15 September 2022 |website=AVweb |url=https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/eileen-collins-to-receive-2022-wright-brothers-memorial-trophy/ |access-date=16 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy |publisher=National Aeronautic Association |url=https://naa.aero/awards/awards-and-trophies/wright-brothers-memorial-trophy/ |access-date=16 September 2022}}</ref>

Collins was inducted into the National Women's Hall Of Fame in 1995,<ref>{{cite web |title=Home – National Women's Hall of Fame |publisher=National Women's Hall of Fame |url=http://www.greatwomen.org/women.php?action=viewone&id=41 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021003192452/http://www.greatwomen.org/women.php?action=viewone&id=41 |archive-date=3 October 2002}}</ref> the [[National Aviation Hall of Fame]] in 2009,<ref>{{cite web |title=Enshrinee Eileen Marie Collins |website=nationalaviation.org |publisher=National Aviation Hall of Fame |url=https://nationalaviation.org/enshrinee/eileen-marie-collins/ |access-date=1 February 2023}}</ref> the [[United States Astronaut Hall of Fame]] on 19 April 2013,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Granath |first1=Bob |title=Three Space Shuttle Astronauts Inducted into Hall of Fame |publisher=NASA |date=20 April 2013 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/content/three-space-shuttle-astronauts-inducted-into-hall-of-fame |access-date=8 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219005100/http://www.nasa.gov/content/three-space-shuttle-astronauts-inducted-into-hall-of-fame/ |archive-date=19 February 2016}}</ref> and the Texas Aviation Hall Of Fame at the [[Lone Star Flight Museum]] in [[Houston]], Texas, on 6 May 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lone Star Flight Museum Held a Virtual Ceremony for 2020 Texas Aviation Hall Of Fame Inductees |date=2 July 2020 |publisher=Lone Star Flight Museum |url=https://www.lonestarflight.org/events/halloffame/ |access-date=20 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Texas Aviation Hall of Fame announces 2020 inductees |last=Leinfelder |first=Andrea |date=10 January 2020 |website=chron.com |publisher=[[Houston Chronicle]] |url=https://www.chron.com/business/bizfeed/article/Texas-Aviation-Hall-of-Fame-announces-astronaut-14964957.php |access-date=20 May 2021}}</ref> She was recognized by the ''[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]'' as one of 300 women who have changed the world.<ref>{{cite web |title=300 women who have changed the world - Eileen Collins |url=http://www.britannica.com/women/article-9124950 |access-date=17 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514035833/http://www.britannica.com/women/article-9124950 |archive-date=14 May 2013}}</ref>

An astronomical observatory—the [[Collins Observatory|Eileen Collins Observatory]] run by Corning Community College—is named in her honor,<ref>{{cite web |title=Collins Observatory |publisher=Salem State University |url=https://www.salemstate.edu/academics/college-arts-and-sciences/chemistry-and-physics/collins-observatory |access-date=21 June 2022}}</ref> as is the main entrance boulevard to [[Syracuse Hancock International Airport]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Mariani |first=John |title=Space shuttle retirement prompts space veterans with Syracuse ties to ask, What's next? |date=8 July 2011 |publisher=Syracuse |url=https://www.syracuse.com/news/2011/07/shuttle_retirement_begs_questi.html |access-date=20 July 2020}}</ref> One of her graduate school alma maters, Webster University, awarded her an [[honorary degree|honorary]] [[Doctor of Science]] in 1996,<ref>{{cite web |title=Honorary Degrees at Webster University |date=2020 |url=https://library.webster.edu/webster-university-history/honorary-degrees |access-date=11 December 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713090637/http://library.webster.edu/archives/historyfacts/honorarydegrees.html |archive-date=13 July 2017}}</ref> and in 2021, she received Syracuse University's highest alumni honor, the George Arents Award.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Herbert |first1=Geoff |title=Pixar president, astronaut Eileen Collins, more to receive Syracuse University awards |newspaper=[[The Post-Standard]] |date=18 October 2021 |url=https://www.syracuse.com/syracuse-university/2021/10/pixar-president-astronaut-eileen-collins-more-to-receive-syracuse-university-awards.html |access-date=13 November 2021}}</ref> [[University College Dublin]] of the [[National University of Ireland]] also conferred an honorary Doctor of Science degree on her on 14 June 2006.<ref>{{cite web |title=First woman to pilot NASA space shuttle honoured by UCD |date=13 June 2006 |url=https://www.ucd.ie/news/jun06/061306_eileen_collins.htm |access-date=17 July 2022}}</ref> She was awarded with [[Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy]] in 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Colonel Eileen Collins, USAF (Ret.) to be Honored with 2022 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy |date=15 September 2022 |publisher=National Aeronautic Association |url=https://naa.aero/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Wright-Trophy-2022.pdf |access-date=4 June 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001013521/https://naa.aero/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Wright-Trophy-2022.pdf |archive-date=1 October 2022}}</ref>

==Publications==
* {{cite book |last1=Collins |first1=Eileen M. |last2=Ward |first2=Jonathan H. |title=Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars: The Story of the First American Woman to Command a Space Mission |location=New York |publisher=Arcade |year=2021 |isbn=978-1-950994-05-2 |oclc=1281565457}}

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==References==
* {{cite book |last=Houston |first=Rick |title=Wheels Stop: The Tragedies and Triumphs of the Space Shuttle Program 1986-2011 |location=Lincoln, Nebraska |publisher=University of Nebraska Press |year=2013 |isbn=978-08032-3534-2 |oclc=839395927}}
* {{cite book |last1=Shayler |first1=David |last2=Moule |first2=Ian A. |title=Women in Space – Following Valentina |location=New York |publisher=Springer |year=2006 |isbn=978-1-85233-744-5 |oclc=218506039}}
* {{cite book |author=USAF Test Pilot School |title=USAF Test Pilot School 50th anniversary (1944-1994): 50 Years and Beyond |location=Edwards Air Force Base, California |publisher=USAF Test Pilot School |year=1994 |oclc=156912804}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |last1=Raum |first1=Elizabeth |title=Eileen Collins |date=2006 |publisher=Heinemann Library |location=Chicago, Illinois |isbn=978-1-4034-6943-4 |oclc=58478502 |ref=none}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Eileen Collins}}
* [https://www.eileencollins.com/ Official website]

{{NASA Astronaut Group 13}}
{{National Women's Hall of Fame}}
{{U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Collins, Eileen}}
[[Category:1956 births]]
[[Category:21st-century American women]]
[[Category:American flight instructors]]
[[Category:American people of Irish descent]]
[[Category:American test pilots]]
[[Category:American women academics]]
[[Category:American women astronauts]]
[[Category:American women aviators]]
[[Category:American women flight instructors]]
[[Category:Aviators from New York (state)]]
[[Category:Corning Community College alumni]]
[[Category:Harmon Trophy winners]]
[[Category:Knights of the Legion of Honour]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Military personnel from New York (state)]]
[[Category:Mir crew members]]
[[Category:NASA civilian astronauts]]
[[Category:National Aviation Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:People from Elmira, New York]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Defense Superior Service Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)]]
[[Category:Space Shuttle program astronauts]]
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[[Category:United States Astronaut Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:Webster University alumni]]
[[Category:American female military personnel of the Iraq War]]
[[Category:Women in the United States Air Force]]
[[Category:Women military aviators]]
[[Category:American female military personnel of the Gulf War]]