SAN ANTONIO – The crew on Artemis II is getting a unique look at planet Earth as the astronauts’ journey continues toward the moon. With space travel top of mind, a new documentary has launched about Eileen Collins, the first women to pilot and command the space shuttle.
The retired Air Force colonel discussed NASA’s current focus on space exploration beyond low Earth orbit, including the Artemis program aimed at returning to the Moon and preparing for future missions to Mars. She highlighted the strong public support for space exploration, noting that over 90% of Americans back it.
Eileen Collins recounts the Challenger and Columbia accidents, emphasizing the community’s desire to continue the shuttle program despite the risks.
“Those were moms and dads, and they all died. There were people that wanted to shut down the shuttle program, but there is no way I was going to quit that mission. As astronauts, we live on the edge of danger,” said Collins.
Collins emphasized the minimal NASA budget, which is less than 0.5% of the federal budget, and the significant role of private companies like SpaceX and Boeing in funding space missions.
She joined us along with Film Director Hannah Berryman to talk about the new documentary “Spacewomen.” There is a lot of responsibility to pilot a space shuttle, and she was prepared to work hard and keep everyone safe. She was able to mix motherhood with being an astronaut and she couldn’t be happier.
The film dives into her entire story, going through NASA archives and learning all the stresses and happy moments she went through to make her dream a reality.
“My message to young kids is to go to school, do your homework, listen to your teacher, but more, but most important is read books, because books will inspire your imagination,” saod Collins.
SPACEWOMAN
Screening and Special Q&A: Saturday at 4pm & 7pm at Santikos Embassy 14
Spacewoman.film/buy-tickets
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