13 hours agoShareSaveRebecca MorelleScience Editor andAlison FrancisSenior Science JournalistShareSaveNASAWith her hands steady at the controls, her voice calm as she spoke to mission control, Collins piloted the craft through a slow, graceful somersault. With the shuttle’s underside now visible, the damage was quickly spotted – and a spacewalk was carried out to repair it.It meant Collins and her crew would make it safely home.This was Collins’s last flight. She tells us that she always planned to stop after her fourth mission – to give others a chance to go to space.And she’s watched plenty of astronauts follow in her footsteps. Does she have any advice for the next generation dreaming of the stars?”Do your homework, listen to your teacher, pay attention in class and read books, and that will give you something to focus on,” she says in a matter-of-fact way.Those who follow Collins to space will learn just how much she achieved, not only as a woman, but as a formidable pilot and commander.She says she has no regrets about bringing her astronaut career to an end. She made her decision and didn’t look back. But there’s still a wistful look in her eye when we ask if she’d be tempted if a seat on a spacecraft became free.”Yes, I would love to go on a mission someday. When I’m an old lady, maybe I’ll get a chance to go back in space.”Spacewoman is in selected cinemas now. …
