Who was the first woman to command a space shuttle mission?

Eileen Collins is recognized as the first woman to command a space shuttle mission, a significant milestone in both aviation history and the broader field of space exploration. She commanded the Space Shuttle Columbia during the STS-93 mission, which launched on July 23, 1999. This accomplishment not only broke gender barriers in a field predominantly occupied by men but also paved the way for future generations of female astronauts.

Her extensive experience as a pilot and educator, coupled with her role as a commander, has made her an inspirational figure in the aerospace community. Before assuming command, Collins had a distinguished career as a U.S. Air Force pilot, making her the ideal candidate for her historic role at NASA.

The other individuals listed were pioneers in their own right: Mae Jemison was the first African American woman in space, Judith Resnik was one of the first women to fly on a shuttle, and Sally Ride was the first American woman in space. However, Eileen Collins holds the distinction of being the first woman to lead a space shuttle mission specifically.