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Trailblazing Nasa pilot shares parenting challenges

Astronaut Eileen Collins, who made history as the first woman to pilot and command a Nasa spacecraft, shares her experiences in an interview with the BBC.

Eileen Collins has left an indelible mark on the space industry, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of female astronauts.

Eileen Collins wearing a blue jacket with a round Nasa patch on one side and a rectangular shuttle patch on the other with her name. She has short brown hair and brown eyes and is smiling as she looks directly to camera. She is in the space gallery at the Science Museum and an out of focus rocket engine can be seen behind her. — From a very young age, Eileen Collins wanted to be an astronaut

As the first woman to pilot and command a NASA spacecraft, Collins achieved a historic milestone, yet her name remains relatively unknown to the general public.

A new documentary, Spacewoman, aims to change this by chronicling Collins' remarkable career and shedding light on her trailblazing accomplishments.

During an interview at the Science Museum in London, Collins comes across as soft-spoken, warm, and down-to-earth, but also exudes a sense of focus and determination that has defined her career.

Collins' interest in space exploration began at a young age, sparked by an article about the Gemini astronauts that she read when she was just nine years old.

At the time, there were no female astronauts, but Collins was undeterred, declaring to herself that she would become a "lady astronaut."

As she grew older, Collins' ambitions only intensified, and she set her sights on becoming a pilot, recognizing that joining the military and becoming a test pilot was the most direct path to achieving her goal.

Space Shuttle during launch at Cape Canaveral in Florida. A white shuttle is attached vertically to an orange rocket with large white booster engines. Flames are firing out of the rocket engine and there re large amounts of white smoke as the rocket is just about to lift off. In the foreground there is a a lake. — Nasa's Space Shuttle programme flew for three decades

Collins' exceptional skills and dedication earned her a spot in the Air Force's astronaut program, where she would go on to fly Space Shuttles, NASA's revolutionary reusable spacecraft.

When Collins embarked on her first mission in 1995, she was acutely aware that the world was watching, and she was determined to prove herself as a capable and competent pilot.

As the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle, Collins felt a deep sense of responsibility, not just to herself, but to the women who would follow in her footsteps.

"I worked extremely hard to ensure that my performance would not be marred by mistakes, as I knew that it would not only reflect on me, but also on the women who would come after me," Collins recalls.

Collins' ultimate goal was to establish a reputation for female pilots as highly skilled and competent, and she took significant steps towards achieving this through her own accomplishments.

Her exceptional abilities eventually earned her a promotion to commander, another historic first for a woman in the space program.

Astronaut Eileen Collins wears an orange spacesuit with a clear helmet. She smiles as she crouches next to her daughter, who is three years old. She is wearing a pink and white outfit and has her finger on her mouth and the other hand on her Mum's pace helmet. She looks shy. — Eileen Collins with her young daughter Bridget

Throughout her career, Collins balanced her professional responsibilities with her role as a mother to two young children, a fact that often drew attention and scrutiny from the media.

However, Collins has always maintained that being a parent and a commander were the two most rewarding jobs she could have asked for.

In fact, Collins believes that her experience as a parent provided her with invaluable training for her role as a commander, teaching her essential skills such as learning to say no and making tough decisions.

"Being a parent is, in many ways, more challenging than being a Space Shuttle commander, as it requires a unique blend of patience, discipline, and decision-making," Collins notes.

The Space Shuttle program, which spanned three decades, was marked by numerous triumphs, but also several devastating tragedies, including the loss of the Challenger and Columbia spacecraft.

Debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia is laid out on the floor of a large hanger. A man in a white coat is bending down inspecting some of it. There are tiles and pieces of white foam - some of the material is charred. — A huge investigation was launched after the Columbia disaster

The 1986 Challenger disaster, which occurred just seconds after launch, resulted in the loss of all seven crew members, sending shockwaves throughout the space community.

Similarly, the 2003 Columbia disaster, which occurred during re-entry, claimed the lives of all seven crew members on board, leaving the nation in mourning.

An investigation into the Columbia disaster revealed that a piece of insulating foam had broken loose during launch, damaging the heat shield and ultimately leading to the spacecraft's disintegration.

The incident was a stark reminder of the risks and challenges inherent in space exploration, and Collins, who lost friends and colleagues in the disaster, was deeply affected by the tragedy.

As commander of the next shuttle mission, Collins was tasked with the responsibility of leading her team forward, despite the overwhelming grief and sense of uncertainty that followed the Columbia disaster.

When asked if she considered quitting in the aftermath of the tragedy, Collins reflects on the sense of duty and responsibility that drove her to continue.

"At that moment, I knew that I had to be a source of strength and leadership for my team, and that quitting would have been the easy way out," Collins says.

"Instead, I chose to draw on my inner reserves of courage and confidence, and to inspire my team to do the same, as we worked towards a successful mission."

Collins' determination and bravery were put to the test when her mission finally launched in 2005, and a chunk of foam broke away during launch, threatening to repeat the catastrophic scenario of the Columbia disaster.

However, this time, the team was better prepared, and Collins played a crucial role in executing a daring and complex maneuver to inspect the damage and assess the risk.

The plan involved piloting the shuttle through a 360-degree flip, a move that would allow the crew to photograph the craft's underside and determine if the heat shield had been breached.

Despite initial concerns and objections from some engineers and managers, Collins remained resolute, drawing on her experience and expertise to push forward with the plan.

"I listened to the discussions and the concerns, but as commander, I knew that I had to make a decision, and I was confident that we could execute the maneuver safely," Collins recalls.

With her trademark calm and composure, Collins guided the shuttle through the delicate and intricate maneuver, allowing the crew to assess the damage and carry out a spacewalk to repair it.

The successful outcome of the mission was a testament to Collins' exceptional leadership and piloting skills, and it marked the end of her illustrious career as an astronaut.

Eileen Collins in mid air in a spacecraft. She is smiling and waving to the camera and her legs are raised in the air. She is wearing a blue top and trousers with white socks. She is holding on to a bar with her left hand and is surrounded by wires and electronic hardware. — Collins remained cool and calm under pressure

Collins had always planned to retire after her fourth mission, and she has since dedicated herself to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of space explorers.

When asked for advice, Collins offers a straightforward and practical message, emphasizing the importance of hard work, dedication, and a passion for learning.

As a pioneer and a role model, Collins has left an enduring legacy, and her achievements will continue to inspire and motivate aspiring astronauts for years to come.

"The key to success is to stay focused, work hard, and never give up on your dreams," Collins advises.

Collins' remarkable story serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through determination, perseverance, and a passion for exploration.

Although Collins has closed the chapter on her astronaut career, she looks back on her experiences with a sense of pride and fulfillment, and she acknowledges that a part of her will always remain connected to the thrill and adventure of space exploration.

When asked if she would consider returning to space in the future, Collins smiles wistfully, leaving the door open to the possibility, "Perhaps, when I'm older, I'll have the chance to return to space, and I would welcome that opportunity with open arms."

The film Spacewoman is currently screening in select theaters.

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Water Leak Affects 19th Century Artwork at Louvre Museum

The world’s most visited museum has been marred by a series of incidents, prompting growing scrutiny of its management.

The Louvre museum in Paris has experienced a significant setback due to a water leak that damaged a 19th-century ceiling painting, marking the latest in a series of challenges for the institution.

French gendarmes patrol in front of the Musee du Louvre and the Pyramide du Louvre

According to the museum, the water damage was discovered in room 707, also known as the "Duchâtel" room, on Thursday evening, with the room housing various artworks from the 15th and 16th centuries.

The leak, which originated from a heating pipe, was reportedly stopped shortly after midnight, and the only artwork damaged was Charles Meynier's The Apotheosis of Poussin, Le Sueur and Le Brun, a ceiling painting.

This incident occurred just a day after French authorities detained nine individuals, including two museum staff members, in connection with an alleged ticket fraud scheme.

In recent months, the museum's management has faced increased scrutiny following a string of high-profile incidents, including the theft of French crown jewels and damage to hundreds of books due to a leak.

The Louvre reported that Thursday's leak occurred near the entrance to the paintings department in the Denon wing of the museum.

Firefighters responded promptly to the incident, and the leak was brought under control within 40 minutes of its discovery.

On Friday morning, a painting restorer assessed the damage to Meynier's ceiling painting and found that it had sustained two tears in the same area, as well as lifting of the paint layer on the ceiling and its arches.

The damaged ceiling painting, which dates back to 1822 and is signed by Meynier, depicts renowned French painters Nicolas Poussin, Eustache Le Sueur, and Charles Le Brun surrounded by angelic figures in the clouds.

As a precautionary measure, rooms 706, 707, and 708 in the Denon wing were closed on Friday morning but are expected to reopen later in the day.

The chief architect of historic monuments visited the site to evaluate the condition of the ceiling and determined that there were no structural issues.

A union representative informed Reuters that scaffolding had been erected in the affected area to facilitate repairs.

The extent of the damage to the painting and the building, as well as the associated costs, have not been disclosed.

This latest incident is part of a series of challenges faced by the Louvre, which is the most visited museum globally, in recent times.

In December, a leak in the Egyptian department damaged between 300 and 400 items, mostly books, with the museum's deputy administrator, Francis Steinbock, acknowledging that the issue had been known for years.

The previous month, the museum had to partially close one of its galleries featuring Greek vases and offices due to structural weaknesses.

This incident followed a high-profile burglary on October 19, in which four individuals stole historic jewelry valued at €88 million, exposing significant security gaps at the museum.

The thieves used a stolen vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to gain access to the Galerie d'Apollon via a balcony overlooking the River Seine.

Several individuals have been arrested in connection with the theft, which is still being investigated by the French authorities.

The majority of the stolen items remain unrecovered, and the museum has since relocated some of its most valuable jewels to the Bank of France for safekeeping.

A report published by France's public audit body in October criticized the museum's excessive spending on artwork, stating that it had come at the expense of building maintenance and renovation.

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UAE Beats Canada in T20 World Cup Thanks to Sharma

The United Arab Emirates boosted their chances of reaching the T20 World Cup Super 8s after Aryansh Sharma’s unbeaten 74 helped secure a narrow five-wicket victory over Canada.

The United Arab Emirates has taken a significant step towards qualifying for the T20 World Cup Super 8s, thanks in large part to Aryansh Sharma's impressive unbeaten 74, which helped secure a narrow five-wicket victory over Canada.

A recent match saw the UAE emerge victorious against Canada, enhancing their chances of advancing to the Super 8s in the T20 World Cup.

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Russell Describes Red Bull’s Advantage as Highly Intimidating

Mercedes driver George Russell notes that Red Bull’s lead at the forefront of the Formula 1 pack has been particularly noteworthy, revealing a significant gap that has caught the attention of many in the sport.

As George Russell enters his fifth season with Mercedes, the team is gearing up for a new challenge in the 2026 Formula 1 season.

According to Mercedes driver George Russell, Red Bull's current advantage at the front of the pack is a significant concern, with the team's performance in the first pre-season test at Bahrain being particularly noteworthy.

Russell described the display of speed by Red Bull in Bahrain as a "wake-up call" for their competitors, highlighting the team's impressive pace in the first of two pre-season tests.

The British driver noted that Red Bull's lead is substantial, with a gap of around half a second to a full second per lap, which is a considerable margin in the context of Formula 1.

Russell expressed his surprise at the scale of Red Bull's advantage, stating that it is unsettling to see such a significant difference in performance, especially given Red Bull's history of producing competitive cars, even when their engine was not the strongest.

The 2026 season marks the most significant rule change in Formula 1 history, with new specifications for engines, chassis, tires, and fuel, which promises to shake up the competitive landscape.

As a result of these changes, energy management has become a critical aspect of the sport, with engines now producing approximately half of their total power output from the electrical component, and limited battery capacity.

Rivals have analyzed GPS data from Red Bull's power unit during the Bahrain test, revealing that the team can sustain electrical energy deployment for longer periods than any of their competitors.

This achievement is all the more impressive considering that Red Bull has established its own engine company from scratch to comply with the new regulations and has partnered with Ford.

Last season, Max Verstappen narrowly missed out on the drivers' title, finishing just two points behind Lando Norris.

Russell stated that his team had observed Red Bull's strength from the outset of the 'shakedown' test in Spain last month, and their performance has been consistently impressive.

He noted that on the first day of testing in Barcelona, Red Bull immediately demonstrated a significant advantage over their competitors, including Mercedes, Ferrari, and others.

Russell acknowledged that Red Bull's performance in Bahrain has further solidified their position as the team to beat, at least for the time being.

Looking ahead to the first race of the season in Melbourne, Russell predicts that Red Bull will likely maintain their advantage, given their strong showing in both Barcelona and Bahrain.

However, Red Bull technical director Pierre Wache has downplayed Mercedes' claims, suggesting that his team is not the benchmark, and instead, Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren are currently ahead.

Wache argued that Red Bull's analysis indicates they are behind the top three teams, contrary to the assertions made by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc believes that Mercedes is concealing their true potential and that Red Bull and Mercedes have posted the fastest times, followed closely by his own team.

The new cars have sparked a debate among drivers, with some enjoying the updated handling and ride, while others have expressed reservations about the changes.

On the second day of testing, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen disagreed on whether the new cars are enjoyable to drive, reflecting the mixed opinions among drivers.

Russell described the 2026 cars as "much nicer to drive" in terms of handling and ride compared to the previous season's cars, but noted that the engines are highly complex.

He cautioned against drawing conclusions too early, as the true challenges of the new engines and energy management systems will only become apparent at more demanding tracks like Melbourne or Jeddah.

Russell elaborated on a point made by Verstappen regarding the unusual driving styles required by the new engines, which demand careful management of energy recovery.

Drivers are having to adapt to unconventional techniques, such as using lower gears in corners to keep the engine revving and maximize energy recovery.

Russell provided an example from the Bahrain test, where he had to use first gear in a corner that would normally be taken in third gear, in order to maintain high engine revs and keep the turbo spinning.

He acknowledged that this approach can be counterintuitive and frustrating at times.

Russell used an analogy to illustrate the point, comparing it to driving a road car and being told to use first gear in a roundabout, which would be unconventional and unnecessary at normal speeds.

He emphasized that the car is not designed to handle such low gears in certain corners, but drivers are having to work around these limitations to optimize energy recovery.

Russell explained that the car's design is not suited for such low gears, but the need to maintain high engine revs and turbo boost necessitates this approach.

As a result, drivers are having to adapt their techniques to prioritize energy management over traditional notions of fast cornering.

Russell noted that the critical nature of energy levels in determining lap times means that driving around a corner in the fastest possible way may not always result in the best overall lap time.

In the past, drivers could focus on finding the quickest line through a corner, but now they need to consider the broader implications of their actions on energy levels and overall lap time.

Russell stated that drivers must now wait for a full lap to understand the impact of their decisions on energy levels, rather than being able to instantly assess the effectiveness of a particular line or technique.

Meanwhile, Aston Martin is reported to be around four seconds off the pace of the top teams, highlighting the significant gap they need to bridge to be competitive.

The 2026 Formula 1 cars have been on display in Bahrain, showcasing the new designs and technologies.

The sport has introduced new terminology, including "active aero" and "overtake mode," which reflect the changes brought about by the new regulations.

Russell has expressed his desire to compete directly with Verstappen, setting the stage for an exciting season of racing.

The 2026 season promises to be an exciting one, with the biggest rule change in Formula 1 history, a new generation of drivers, and a fresh wave of technological innovation.