Today, February 3, 2015, marks the 20th Anniversary of historic Eileen Collins space shuttle mission

Today, February 3, 2015, marks the 20th Anniversary of the historic space shuttle mission of Eileen M. Collins, a native of Elmira. 

On February 3, 1995, Eileen Collins became the first American woman to pilot a space shuttle, the Discovery.

Read more from WETM-TV, "20 Year Anniversary of Collins' Shuttle Mission"

State Senator Tom O'Mara noted that among numerous honors and tributes -- including induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls -- Collins is also a member of the New York State Senate's "Women of Distinction" tribute honoring New York State women throughout the state history.

“It’s a remarkable career and an inspirational life.  Eileen Collins is an American hero, one of our nation’s most distinguished citizens, and we’re extremely proud of her as a native of Elmira and New York State,” said O’Mara.

Collins, who retired from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 2006, is honored for a long and illustrious career highlighted by her command of the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1999 -- when she became the first female Shuttle Commander -- and the “Return to Flight” Discovery mission in 2005.