Eileen Collins is the first female commander of the Space Shuttle and the first person to fly the Shuttle to two different space stations. In total, she had logged over 6,750 hours of flight time in 30 different types of aircraft, and over 38 days in space. After the Columbia disaster, Collins commanded the “return to flight” mission of STS-114 Discovery in 2005. On this mission, Collins executed the first “Rendezvous pitch maneuver,” essentially a backflip by the shuttle so that those on the International Space Station can inspect the shuttle’s heat shield for damage. Collins retired from the Air Force in 2005 as a colonel and from NASA in 2006. She has been a strong advocate for women in the aerospace industry and has received numerous awards and honors, such as the Distinguished Flying Cross, NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal and the National Space Trophy. She has also advocated for women to make strides in aerospace and other STEM industries. Eileen Collins is considered one of the most important astronauts in American History and has set the example for all women and girls who wish to soar into space.
Inducted in 2021.
Portrait Location: Not Currently on Floor

Induction Video