Read these central ideas from the article "Eileen Collins—NASA’s First Female Shuttle Commander to Lead Next Shuttle Mission." Collins was inspired by the early astronauts to pursue a career in space.

Collins began her career in space exploration at a pivotal moment for women.

How does the author develop these ideas?

The author describes that in her first month of training in the Air Force, Collins met an astronaut class that included women and decided she wanted to fly the Space Shuttle.

The author includes Collins's advice on how to become an astronaut and that she became the first and only female Shuttle commander.

The author describes Collins's love for reading about astronauts and space travel, and early in her career, she joined the Air Force.

The author explains that Collins was inspired by the Mercury astronauts as a child, and when she was in high school and college, new opportunities opened up for women in aviation.