Did you know that being a parent can be even tougher than commanding a spacecraft? Eileen Collins, the first woman to pilot and command a NASA shuttle, knows all too well how challenging both roles can be. With the release of a new documentary titled Spacewoman, her incredible journey is finally getting the spotlight it deserves.

Meeting Collins at London’s Science Museum feels like stepping into the presence of someone truly extraordinary. From a young age, she dreamed of breaking barriers; at just nine years old, she read about the Gemini astronauts and thought, “That's it! I want to be an astronaut.” Back then, there were no women astronauts, but Eileen didn’t let that stop her. She set her sights high, determined to become a test pilot and ultimately a commander of a NASA spacecraft.

In 1995, as the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle, Collins felt the weight of history on her shoulders. “I worked very hard at that because I didn't want people to say, 'Oh look, the woman has made a mistake.' It was about the women to follow me,” she recalls. Her determination paid off when she was later promoted to commander, another groundbreaking first.

Juggling her roles as both a commander and a mother raised eyebrows in press conferences, where some seemed astonished at her ability to balance both. Yet Collins embraced her dual identities, stating, “Being a mum and a commander were the two best jobs in the world.” In a moment of laughter, she quipped, “It is harder to be a parent than to be a space shuttle commander,” highlighting that her experience as a parent taught her invaluable skills like saying 'no'—a necessity for any leader.

But Collins's journey wasn’t without its heart-stopping moments. NASA’s Space Shuttle program had its share of triumphs and tragedies, including the devastating Challenger disaster in 1986 and the Columbia tragedy in 2003. Reflecting on the losses of colleagues, Collins shares, “People throughout the shuttle program were counting on the commander to stick with it. Quitting would have been the opposite of brave.” She rose to the occasion, embracing her role when she was tasked with leading a mission after Columbia’s tragic end.

In 2005, during her final mission, history almost repeated itself when debris broke away from the shuttle during launch. Collins faced another critical moment that required one of the riskiest maneuvers in space: a 360-degree flip under the International Space Station to assess damage to the heat shield. “Engineers said it couldn’t be done, but I said: ‘It sounds like we can do it.’” Her calm demeanor and decisive leadership allowed her to execute the maneuver flawlessly, ensuring her crew's safe return.

After four successful missions, Collins chose to step back, allowing space for others to follow in her footsteps. Now, she encourages the next generation with practical advice: “Do your homework, listen to your teacher, pay attention in class, and read books.” Her legacy as a pioneering astronaut and a dedicated mother is a story of resilience, courage, and inspiration.

As we wrapped up our conversation, a hint of nostalgia crossed her face when asked if she would consider flying again. “Yes, I would love to go on a mission someday. When I'm an old lady, maybe I’ll get a chance to go back to space,” she mused. Eileen Collins, a true trailblazer, continues to inspire countless individuals with her extraordinary journey.