Date of Birth

Elmira, New York on November 19, 1956

Childhood / Family

Grew up in a family with two brothers, a sister, and very supportive parents. Married to Pat Youngs and has one daughter.

Education

Eileen has a science degree in operation research from Stanford University in 1986; She also has a master of arts degree in space management, from Webster University in 1989.

Became one of the first women to go straight from college into Air Force pilot training.

Military Service / Civilian

When Eileen graduated from high school the U.S. Navy began accepting its first female pilots and then two years later the Air Force did the same. The Air Force had 120 applicants and they could only choose four and luckily one of them was Eileen Collins.

Space Training / Specialty

 In 1979, Lt. Colonel Collins graduated from Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance Air Force Base. In 1990, while attending the Air Force Test Pilot School, she was selected for the astronaut program.

Contribution to Space Travel

Eileen Collins was the first pilot of a space shuttle.

Space Missions

She piloted the Atlantis, She was also on the Mir and in December 1998 she was scheduled to command space shuttle Colombia.

Outside Activities

 Enjoys running, golf, hiking, camping, reading, photography, astronomy

Interesting Fact(s)

As the pilot, she took with her a scarf worn by Earhart, an early aviation pioneer who vanished over the Pacific in 1937 while attempting to become the first woman to fly around the globe. 

She said, "It is my hope that all children--boys and girls, will see this mission and be inspired to reach for their dreams, 'because dreams do come true.'"

Status

 Mommy

Images