15 Facts About Susan Kilrain

Susan Kilrain was born on Susan Leigh Still, October 24,1961 and is an American aerospace engineer, United States Navy officer and NASA astronaut.

Susan Kilrain is the youngest person to pilot a Space Shuttle.

Susan Kilrain has flown more than 3,000 hours and among her merits she was awarded with the Defense Superior Service Medal.

Susan Kilrain started flying in high school where she had a month off during her senior year and completed training to become a private pilot.

Susan Kilrain graduated from the Walnut Hill School, Natick, Massachusetts, in 1979.

Susan Kilrain received her master of science degree in aerospace engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1985.

Susan Kilrain quickly realized that the Navy was not an organisation that was friendly to women and that it was reluctant to accept her.

Susan Kilrain served as the Legislative Specialist for Shuttle for the Office of Legislative Affairs at NASA Headquarters in Washington DC She retired from the Astronaut Office in December 2002 and from the US Navy later in 2005.

Susan Kilrain has participated in the space camp named Space 2101 in 2022 at the Dubai International Academy Al Barsha, and in 2023 at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.

Susan Kilrain is married to Vice Admiral Colin J Kilrain.

Susan Kilrain loves photography and traveling, as well as martial arts, triathlon and playing the piano.

Susan Kilrain was selected to be a flight instructor in the TA-4J Skyhawk.

Susan Kilrain served as spacecraft communicator in mission control during launch and entry for numerous missions.

Susan Kilrain logged 472 hours in space over two missions and is the second woman to pilot a space shuttle.

Susan Kilrain recalled the first moments of piloting the space shuttle alongside the senior pilot and mission-in-charge.