posted 05-01-2006 09:00 AM               

Eileen Collins leaves NASA

The commander of the 2005 shuttle return to flight mission is leaving NASA. Eileen Collins, the first woman to pilot a space shuttle and the first woman to command a U.S. spacecraft, is retiring from the space agency.

Collins' departure is not unexpected. In the runup to the return to flight mission, she dodged the question of her possible retirement from the astronaut corps. At the same time, she noted that she had flown four times and that other, younger, and less frequent fliers needed to get experience before she needed a fifth flight.

NASA's press release on her retirement says she is off to pursue private interests and spend more time with her family.

posted 05-01-2006 09:27 AM               

NASA Astronaut Eileen Collins Completes Career of Space Firsts

Astronaut Eileen Collins is leaving NASA. Collins was the first woman to command a space shuttle and the leader of Discovery's Return to Flight mission last year. She plans to pursue private interests and spend more time with family.

"Eileen Collins is a living, breathing example of the best that our nation has to offer," said NASA Administrator Michael Griffin. "She is, of course, a brave, superb pilot and a magnificent crew commander. Beyond those qualities, she is both very bright and modestly self-effacing about that fact. And above all, she is possessed of a quiet determination to attain the very highest levels of accomplishment. I am proud to know her and will greatly miss her at NASA."

A veteran of four space flights, Collins' career at NASA has been punctuated by firsts. She was the first woman selected as a pilot astronaut, the first woman to serve as a shuttle pilot and the first woman to command a U.S. spacecraft.

"Eileen is a true pioneer in space and on Earth," said Mike Coats, director of NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston. "Her service and dedication to her country, to NASA and to space exploration are an inspiration. She meets every challenge with confidence and an ever-present smile."

Collins was selected as an astronaut in 1990. She served as the pilot on mission STS-63 in February 1995, the first shuttle mission to rendezvous with the Russian Mir Space Station. In May 1997, she flew as pilot on mission STS- 84, the sixth shuttle flight to dock to Mir. Collins commanded the Space Shuttle Columbia on mission STS-93 in July 1999, the flight that launched the Chandra X-Ray Observatory.

Her most recent space flight was as commander of July's STS-114 mission, the first shuttle flight since the Columbia accident in 2003. During the 14- day mission, Collins and her six-member crew tested new shuttle safety enhancements and resupplied the International Space Station.

"Eileen is a gifted leader who knows what it takes to get a team through the most difficult of times," said Flight Crew Operations Director Ken Bowersox. "All of us will feel Eileen's absence, but regardless of the path she pursues after leaving NASA, I know she will continue to exert a positive influence on the explorers of today and tomorrow."

posted 05-01-2006 04:29 PM               

I'm sad to hear that she left NASA to pursue a new career and greatly missed her. Good luck Eileen for your new future and her name will never be forgotten. Good luck!

posted 05-01-2006 06:35 PM               

Godspeed Eileen - Aim Higher!

posted 05-03-2006 06:39 PM               

Dave

posted 12-26-2007 04:46 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by ftrastronaut:
Does anyone have any ideas on how to meet her?

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posted 12-26-2007 06:38 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by ftrastronaut:
I would go to the event in January, but I can't miss school.

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When you say 'school,' how old are you? I know of some 5th-8th Grade events she has done in the past.

posted 12-27-2007 05:25 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by ftrastronaut:
Eileen Collins is my hero and I have always wanted to meet her.

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The second was at an appearance by her and the 114 crew at KSC after their mission in 2005.

While waiting to meet her, you might write to her in care of the astronaut office at JSC.

I look forward to seeing you walk on the Moon someday.

posted 02-26-2009 09:41 AM               

Eileen Collins Joins GB Tech as Program Manager of ITAMS Team

GB Tech announced today that Eileen Collins, former Space Shuttle Commander has been named Program Manager of the GB Tech-led Information Technology and Multimedia Services (ITAMS) team, based in Houston, Texas.

In 2008, GB Tech began pursuit of NASA's Information Technology and Multimedia Services (ITAMS) procurement, planned for mid 2009. Collins' main responsibilities will be to lead the team's Program Office for this effort.

"Eileen brings extensive program leadership, technical understanding, and strong public relations experience to this position," said Gale Burkett, CEO of GB Tech. "Her leadership, background and qualifications will be a perfect fit to lead this highly skilled team."

Collins' background includes 16 years of experience working with NASA in various leadership positions. Selected by NASA in 1990, Eileen became an astronaut in 1991. Initially assigned to Orbiter engineering support, she also served on the astronaut support team, worked in Mission Control as a spacecraft communicator, served as the Astronaut Office Spacecraft Systems Branch Chief, Chief Information Officer, Shuttle Branch Chief, and Astronaut Safety Branch Chief. Collins served as pilot on STS-63 and STS- 84, and commander on STS-93 and STS-114. A veteran of four space flights, Eileen logged over 872 hours in space and retired from NASA in May 2006.

The NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Information Technology and Multimedia Services (ITAMS) contract located at JSC this spring. This new contract will merge requirements under the current JSC Information Management and Media Services (JIMMS) contract and the JSC Enabling Technology and Security (JETS) contract, as well as information technology requirements from 9 other JSC contracts.

GB Tech is a full-service engineering and information technology company, and is consistently recognized as one of the top 100 minority-owned businesses in Houston. Founded in 1985, GB Tech is a proven service provider, delivering high performance solutions to assist government and commercial clients in meeting their mission goals. The GB Tech ITAMS team members possess unparalleled experience in information technology and multimedia solutions. That experience, coupled with new state-of-the-art processes and technologies, will provide the necessary elements to support the NASA mission in the future.