Eileen Collins To Be Awarded Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy

The retired U.S. Air Force colonel and space pioneer was NASA’s first woman shuttle commander.

Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 01:11 PM ET

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Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Eileen Collins, shown here in a T-38 in 2003, began pursuing her dreams of becoming a pilot and astronaut from an early age. [Courtesy: NASA]

Key Takeaways:

Eileen Collins, NASA's first woman space shuttle pilot and mission commander, has been awarded the 2022 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy.
Collins made history as the first woman to pilot a space shuttle in 1995 and the first to command one in 1999, during which the Chandra X-ray Observatory was deployed.
Her career journey began with a childhood dream sparked by a magazine article, leading her to self-fund flying lessons and become a pioneer in the U.S. Air Force's first pilot training class for women and later, a test pilot.
Collins advises aspiring pilots and astronauts to focus on studies, read widely, and participate in activities to develop essential leadership skills.

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Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Eileen Collins—NASA’s first woman space shuttle pilot and mission commander—has been named the 2022 recipient of the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, the National Aeronautic Association announced Thursday.

“For decades, Eileen Collins has been an explorer, educator, spokesperson, and champion for aerospace,” said a statement by NAA board chair, James Albaugh. “She has given tirelessly to our industry and joins an esteemed list of prior recipients.”