Eileen CollinsStatus: Retired 11/19/1956 – Nationality: American Type: Government First Flight: 2/3/1995 Last Flight: 7/26/2005Eileen Marie Collins is a retired NASA astronaut and a retired United States Air Force colonel. A former military instructor and test pilot, Collins was the first female pilot and first female commander of a Space Shuttle. She was awarded several medals for her work. Colonel Collins has logged 38 days 8 hours and 20 minutes in outer space. Collins retired on May 1, 2006, to pursue private interests, including service as a board member of USAA.LaunchesSpace Shuttle Discovery / OV-103 | STS-63Space Shuttle Columbia / OV-102 | STS-84Space Shuttle Columbia OV-102 | STS-93Space Shuttle Discovery / OV-103 | STS-114National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationType: Government Abbreviation: NASA Administration: Administrator: Bill Nelson Founded: 1958 Launchers: Space Shuttle | SLS Spacecraft: Orion Country: USAThe National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research. NASA have many launch facilities but most are inactive. The most commonly used pad will be LC-39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.