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:

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.
Collins made history by becoming NASA’s first woman shuttle pilot in 1995, successfully docking with Mir, and then the first woman to command a space shuttle in 1999, deploying the Chandra X-ray Observatory.
Her distinguished career, from a childhood dream to breaking barriers in Air Force pilot training and as an astronaut, serves as an inspiration, and she advises aspiring pilots and astronauts to focus on studies, reading, and community involvement.

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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.”