Elmira Native Inducted into U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame

Elmira Native and NASA's first female shuttle commander, Eileen Collins, was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame on Saturday. She became the second female test pilot in 1990 and commanded the space shuttle Columbia in 1999. Born November 19th, 1956, she began her historic climb to the stars attending Corning Community College, studying science; followed by stints in Syracuse, Stanford, and Westchester University. While she had extensive training as a naval pilot, it was Edwards Air Force Base where she earned her place as a test pilot and eventual astronaut. She wore the same two-piece blue suit she wore to her astronaut selection interview during the induction.