As interest in space exploration grows alongside upcoming missions, a new documentary brings the story of one of NASA’s most trailblazing astronauts into focus.
“Spacewoman,” released on March 20, 2026, chronicles the life and career of Col. Eileen M. Collins, the first woman to pilot and command a Space Shuttle. Directed by Hannah Berryman and based on Collins’s 2021 memoir, the film traces her rise from a modest upbringing to becoming a defining figure in human spaceflight.
Collins, who retired from the Air Force in 2005 and NASA in 2006, logged over 6,751 hours across 30 aircraft and spent 872 hours in space. Her missions include piloting Discovery in 1995, docking with the Russian space station Mir in 1997, commanding Columbia’s STS-93 mission in 1999, and leading Discovery’s 2005 “Return to Flight” mission after the Columbia disaster.
Director Hannah Berryman said Collins’s journey stood out not just for its milestones, but for the challenges behind them. “If it had felt like a straightforward path… it would have felt less interesting,” she said, adding that Collins’s background and leadership during critical missions added emotional depth to the story.
Despite her achievements, Collins describes herself as reserved. “I don’t like to promote myself… I’ve always just wanted to be a pilot, be an astronaut, do a great job,” she said.
The documentary also highlights her personal life, including her role as a parent. Collins noted that revisiting family footage used in the film was one of the most meaningful parts of the experience. “I like to tell people that I had the two best jobs in the world. I was a parent and I was an astronaut.”
Berryman emphasised the importance of balancing mission achievements with human stories to create a deeper connection with audiences. “We want to know about real people,” she said, noting that audiences responded strongly during early screenings.
“Spacewoman” combines archival NASA footage, personal videos, and interviews to present a comprehensive portrait of Collins’s life, highlighting both her professional milestones and personal journey.
The film offers a timely tribute to a pioneering astronaut whose legacy continues to inspire future generations in space exploration.
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