One Small Step For Man...wait, Woman

"Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man's desire to understand." 

Neil Armstrong

I wouldn't normally include a living person but I had to celebrate the female Astronaut in the Vincent clan!

Cmdr Susan Leigh (Still) Kilrain

Susan Leigh Still was born in Augusta, GA and is the daughter of Dr Joseph Still Jr & Jean Ann Batho.   

She married active Navy Seal Rear Admiral, Colin Kilrain and they have four children.  

Susan graduated with her bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1982.  Then went on to earn a Masters of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Institute of Tech in 1985.  

Her connection to the Vincent line is via Benjamin & Phebe (Vincent) Rosekrans who are her 6x maternal grandparents and a link to the Daughters of the American Revolution.  

In the late 1980s, she was commissioned to the Navy and became one of the first females designated as a Naval Aviator, that is, she was a qualified pilot and flew a few kick-ass navy planes!

She was a flight instructor for the Skyhawks and flew the electric intruder prowlers of the Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 33 (VAQ-33) in Key West, FL.  Later she reported for duty in Virginia Beach and was assigned to the Fighter Squadron 101 (VF-101) where she flew Tomcats! 

In 1995, she reported to the Johnson Space Center as an Astronaut Candidate and became a member of Nasa Group 15.  She flew two notable missions - the STS-83 in April of 1997 (video link below) and then the STS-94 in July of 1997.

She retired in 2002 from the Astronaut Office and 2005 from the Navy and has ventured into public speaking.

From outer space to feet planted firmly on the ground, she is the epitome of LIVING YOUR DREAM!!!

NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Center Bio
STS 83 - Space Shuttle Columbia Launch
Discussing her career
Motivational Speaker 
Wiki