Astronaut Eileen Collins becomes the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle as mission STS-63 gets underway from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Eileen Marie Collins, born on November 19, 1956, stands as a pivotal figure in the annals of space exploration, celebrated for her trailblazing career as a retired NASA astronaut and a distinguished United States Air Force colonel. Her journey exemplifies unparalleled dedication and skill, beginning with a robust military background that prepared her for the rigors of spaceflight.
Collins's foundational experience was forged in the United States Air Force, where she distinguished herself as a highly skilled military instructor pilot and an elite test pilot. This rigorous training and extensive flight experience provided the crucial expertise needed for her future roles within NASA. Notably, she achieved historic milestones by becoming both the first female pilot and, subsequently, the first female commander of a Space Shuttle mission, breaking long-standing barriers and inspiring countless individuals globally.
Throughout her illustrious career, Colonel Collins earned numerous accolades and decorations, acknowledging her exceptional service and significant contributions to aerospace. Among these prestigious awards are the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and multiple NASA Space Flight Medals, each recognizing her extraordinary achievements and valor. Her cumulative time in outer space totals an impressive 38 days, 8 hours, and 20 minutes, accumulated across four Space Shuttle missions.
Pioneering Missions and Historic Commands
STS-63 (1995): As the pilot of Space Shuttle Discovery, Collins made history as the first female Space Shuttle pilot. This mission involved a rendezvous with the Russian Mir space station, a critical step in the US/Russian Shuttle-Mir Program, designed to foster international cooperation and prepare for the International Space Station (ISS).
STS-84 (1997): Collins piloted Space Shuttle Atlantis on this mission, which docked with the Mir space station. This mission further cemented the growing international cooperation in space, essential for the future International Space Station (ISS).
STS-93 (1999): Collins commanded Space Shuttle Columbia on this mission, becoming the first woman to command a Space Shuttle. The primary objective was the deployment of the Chandra X-ray Observatory, a powerful telescope designed to study X-ray sources in the universe.
STS-114 (2005): Commander Collins led Space Shuttle Discovery on the "Return to Flight" mission following the Columbia disaster. This mission was critical for testing new safety procedures, inspecting the orbiter, and delivering supplies to the International Space Station, marking a vital step in resuming Space Shuttle operations safely and restoring confidence in the program.
Colonel Collins formally retired from NASA on May 1, 2006, choosing to pursue private interests while continuing to contribute her vast experience and leadership. Post-retirement, she has served as a respected board member for USAA, a prominent financial services group serving military members and their families, and has engaged in various speaking engagements, sharing insights from her groundbreaking career and advocating for STEM education.
STS-63: The Groundbreaking 'Near-Mir' Mission
The STS-63 mission, officially designated the Space Shuttle Discovery flight, represented a pivotal moment in international space cooperation. Launched on February 3, 1995, from Launch Pad 39B at the historic Kennedy Space Center in Florida, this nighttime liftoff marked the 20th mission for Space Shuttle Discovery. It was the second mission of the ambitious US/Russian Shuttle-Mir Program, an initiative designed to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge, and gain invaluable experience in preparation for the construction and long-term operation of the International Space Station (ISS).
Known colloquially as the "Near-Mir" mission, STS-63's primary objective was to execute the first rendezvous of an American Space Shuttle with the venerable Russian Mir space station. While a physical docking was not performed on this initial encounter (that significant milestone would occur later with STS-71), Space Shuttle Discovery approached Mir within a mere 11 meters (approximately 36 feet), allowing for crucial proximity operations, extensive photography, and the testing of rendezvous procedures and navigation systems. This close approach demonstrated the precise maneuvering capabilities required for future dockings and facilitated the exchange of scientific data and observations between the two spacecraft, simulating future combined operations.
Key Achievements and Historical Firsts of STS-63
First Female Space Shuttle Pilot: This mission marked a landmark achievement as Eileen Collins became the first woman to pilot a Space Shuttle, breaking a significant gender barrier and paving the way for future generations of female astronauts and leaders in space exploration.
Pioneering EVAs: The mission featured the first spacewalks for two notable astronauts: Michael Foale, a UK-born NASA astronaut, and Bernard A. Harris, Jr., a US astronaut of African heritage. Their Extravehicular Activities (EVAs), totaling 4 hours and 39 minutes, involved testing new thermal protection garments designed for future International Space Station construction and evaluating tools and techniques for on-orbit maintenance, crucial for long-duration space missions.
Spartan-204 Deployment and Retrieval: A critical scientific objective of STS-63 was the successful deployment and subsequent retrieval of the Spartan-204 platform. This free-flying, unpiloted satellite was designed to collect ultraviolet (UV) spectral data of diffuse emissions from the Earth's atmosphere, providing valuable insights into atmospheric composition, climate patterns, and processes. The successful deployment and precise robotic arm retrieval demonstrated crucial capabilities for handling external payloads and conducting autonomous science experiments in orbit.
Preparation for STS-71: The detailed rendezvous and fly-around maneuvers conducted during STS-63 were indispensable for refining the techniques and procedures required for STS-71. Just a few months later, STS-71 would successfully achieve the historic first docking of an American Space Shuttle with the Mir space station, directly building upon the lessons learned from STS-63.
The success of STS-63 underscored the growing international partnership in space and laid foundational groundwork for the unprecedented collaboration that would define the International Space Station era. It stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring spirit of global cooperation in the pursuit of scientific discovery and exploration.
- Who is Eileen Collins?
- Eileen Collins is a highly decorated retired NASA astronaut and a former United States Air Force colonel, renowned for being the first woman to pilot and subsequently command a Space Shuttle mission.
- What were Eileen Collins's major achievements in space?
- Her major achievements include piloting Space Shuttle Discovery on STS-63 (making her the first female Shuttle pilot), piloting STS-84, commanding Space Shuttle Columbia on STS-93 (making her the first female Shuttle commander), and commanding STS-114, the "Return to Flight" mission after the Columbia disaster.
- What was the significance of the STS-63 mission?
- STS-63 was significant as the first rendezvous mission between an American Space Shuttle (Discovery) and the Russian Mir space station, a critical step in the Shuttle-Mir Program. It also featured the first female Space Shuttle pilot (Eileen Collins) and the first spacewalks for a UK-born astronaut (Michael Foale) and an African-heritage US astronaut (Bernard A. Harris, Jr.).
- What was the 'Near-Mir' mission?
- The 'Near-Mir' mission refers to STS-63, during which Space Shuttle Discovery approached within 11 meters (approximately 36 feet) of the Mir space station without docking, testing rendezvous procedures and collecting data in preparation for future docking missions.
- What was the Spartan-204 platform on STS-63?
- Spartan-204 was a free-flying scientific satellite deployed and retrieved during STS-63 to collect ultraviolet (UV) spectral data of Earth's atmospheric emissions, providing insights into its composition and atmospheric processes.