LANDSDALE, PA -- The first woman to pilot and command an American spacecraft, astronaut Eileen Collins has led a life of adventure, leadership and achievement. Colonel Collins will share her experiences as a test pilot, astronaut and space flight commander with the attendees of the 28th annual MACS Convention and Trade Show during the CARQUEST Keynote Luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008.

Colonel Collins achieved her dream of becoming an astronaut in July 1991. She flew on her first Shuttle mission, STS-63 Discovery, in February 1995 as the first woman ever to pilot a Space Shuttle. She also served as pilot on her second Shuttle mission, STS-84 Atlantis, in May 1997. In July 1999, she achieved another milestone by becoming the first woman ever to command a Shuttle mission, STS-93 Columbia. In July 2005, she flew her final NASA mission as commander of STS-114 Discovery. Over the course of her four Shuttle flights, she logged more than 872 hours in space.

“MACS is honored that Colonel Eileen Collins will be our keynote speaker,” said Elvis Hoffpauir, MACS president and chief operating officer. “Over the years, we have hosted a variety of inspirational individuals, many who were involved in driving fast vehicles. But Colonel Collins traveled at 17,500 mph in the Space Shuttle and went from 0 to17,500 in 8.5 minutes! We are sure her message about leadership and achievement will resonate with our attendees. We are grateful to CARQUEST for its generous sponsorship in helping bring Colonel Collins to our convention.”