Women in History · Head-to-head
Mae Jemison vs Eileen Collins
Yes — based on their recorded years, Mae Jemison (born 1956) and Eileen Collins (1956–) were alive at the same time for at least part of their lives.
Mae Jemison
Mae Jemison is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut who became the first African-American woman to travel into space in 1992.
Key achievements
- Trained and worked as both an engineer and a medical physician.
- Was selected by NASA for astronaut training in 1987.
- Became the first African-American woman to travel into space in 1992.
- Founded organizations promoting science education after leaving NASA.
Fast fact
Jemison served as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992, becoming the first African-American woman to travel into space.
Full profile of Mae Jemison →Eileen Collins
The first woman to pilot and later command a space shuttle mission, paving the way for women in space shuttle leadership roles.
Key achievements
- Became the first woman to pilot a NASA space shuttle mission in 1995
- Became the first woman to command a space shuttle mission in 1999
- Commanded the high-profile 2005 Return to Flight mission following the Columbia disaster
- Served as a US Air Force test pilot and flight instructor before joining NASA
Fast fact
Collins commanded the 2005 Return to Flight mission, the first shuttle flight after the Columbia disaster, a mission scrutinized worldwide for its safety improvements.
Full profile of Eileen Collins →Who lived first, Mae Jemison or Eileen Collins?
Mae Jemison (born 1956) lived first, before Eileen Collins (1956–), based on their recorded years.
Were Mae Jemison and Eileen Collins contemporaries?
Yes — based on their recorded years, Mae Jemison (born 1956) and Eileen Collins (1956–) were alive at the same time for at least part of their lives.
What do Mae Jemison and Eileen Collins have in common?
Both Mae Jemison and Eileen Collins are grouped among our Women in History figures and lived during the Modern Era.