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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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Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role

Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.

Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.

Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.

Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.

As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.

Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.

Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.

According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.

Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.

Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.

Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.

Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.

The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.

Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.

Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.

Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.

Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.

If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.

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Peter Murrell faces allegations of misusing £459,000 in funds over 12 years

Allegations have been made that he bought various items, such as luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome, in an improper manner.

Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, is facing allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

Peter Murrell looking off to his right while sitting in a room. He is wearing a black suit, white shirt and dark coloured tie. — Peter Murrell is due to appear in court next Friday for a preliminary hearing

An indictment document obtained by BBC News outlines the case against Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The alleged embezzlement is said to have occurred between August 2010 and January 2023, according to the indictment.

It is claimed that Murrell used party funds to purchase luxury items, including jewellery, cosmetics, and vehicles, such as two cars and a motorhome.

The Scottish Sun was the first to report on the details of the indictment.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 20 February, where Murrell is expected to appear.

During his initial court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murrell made no plea and was subsequently granted bail.

Murrell's arrest in 2023 was part of Operation Branchform, a police investigation into the SNP's funding and finances, which led to him being charged with embezzlement in April 2024.

A police van and a police officer outside Murrell's home in April 2023. — Murrell was arrested in 2023 as part of a probe into the SNP's finances

Although Sturgeon was questioned by police as part of the investigation, she is no longer considered a suspect.

BBC News has obtained a copy of the indictment against Murrell ahead of his upcoming court appearance.

It is worth noting that the indictment is subject to change until the case is heard in court and may be amended throughout the judicial process.

The indictment alleges that Murrell purchased a £124,550 motorhome for personal use and created false documents to justify the expense as a legitimate party expenditure.

Murrell is also accused of using £57,500 of party funds to buy a Jaguar I-PACE car in 2019, and falsifying an invoice to conceal the true nature of the purchase.

Furthermore, it is alleged that when the Jaguar was sold in 2021, Murrell deposited more than £47,000 into his personal bank account.

The indictment also claims that Murrell embezzled £16,489 from the SNP to partially fund the purchase of a Volkswagen Golf in 2016.

A list of over 80 retailers is included in the indictment, where Murrell allegedly made purchases totalling more than £159,000 between 2014 and 2022, using party credit or charge cards for personal expenses.

The retailers named in the indictment include Harrods, the Royal Mint, John Lewis, Homebase, and Argos, among others.

It is alleged that Murrell used SNP credit or charge cards to make these purchases and then inserted false or inaccurate accounting codes and descriptions into the party's accounting systems.

The indictment also accuses Murrell of making purchases worth over £81,600 through Amazon using the same method.

Murrell served as the SNP's chief executive for 22 years before his departure.

Murrell and Sturgeon were married in 2010, but announced their separation in January 2025, after being together for many years.

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Bangladesh Nationalist Party Wins Landslide in Country’s First Poll Since Youth-Led Protests

The public is looking forward to a shift back to democratic governance, following a 15-year period of authoritarian leadership by Sheikh Hasina.

In a significant shift in the country's political landscape, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has achieved a decisive majority in parliament, 18 months after widespread protests led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, the country's longest-serving prime minister.

Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) show a victory sign in front of a banner with Tarique Rahman’s photo, as the results project BNP's victory in the 13th general election, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 13, 2026. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain — Tarique Rahman has been out of the country for 17 years. He has promised democracy will be restored

The BNP secured over two-thirds of the seats in the recent general election, with the Jamaat party, the main Islamist party in the country, coming in second; meanwhile, the Awami League, led by Hasina, was not allowed to participate in the election.

As the BNP's leader, Tarique Rahman is poised to become the next prime minister, facing significant challenges in revitalizing the economy and restoring democratic principles after 15 years of authoritarian rule under Hasina's leadership.

In a concurrent referendum, voters also expressed support for comprehensive democratic reforms, which are expected to shape the country's future.

Following Friday prayers in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating, "I am grateful for the love you have shown me"; his party has chosen not to hold a victory procession.

Rahman, who was elected to parliament for the first time, was among the 212 successful BNP candidates; according to the Election Commission, voter turnout was 59.44%.

This marks a significant turnaround for Rahman, who spent 17 years in self-imposed exile in London before taking over as party leader after his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, passed away in December.

During his campaign, Rahman pledged to restore democratic principles and practices in the country.

The new government will need to address pressing issues, including economic revitalization, controlling rising food prices, and creating employment opportunities for the country's large youth population.

Rebuilding relations with neighboring India is also a key priority for the incoming government.

In the aftermath of his victory, Rahman received a congratulatory call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who acknowledged his "remarkable victory".

Modi took to social media to reaffirm India's commitment to promoting peace, progress, and prosperity in both countries, citing their deep historical and cultural ties.

Although the BNP has pledged to bring about change, the party has faced criticism in the past for corruption and alleged human rights abuses during its previous tenure in government in the early 2000s.

The recent election represents a pivotal moment for the country, with one of the two main parties achieving a significant victory, presenting both opportunities and risks.

Proposed constitutional reforms include introducing term limits for the prime minister, establishing a directly elected upper house of parliament, strengthening presidential powers, and increasing judicial independence.

The reforms also aim to increase female representation in parliament, an area where significant progress is still needed, as evidenced by the limited number of successful female candidates in the recent election.

As the newly elected leader, Tarique Rahman will face intense scrutiny as he works to deliver on his promises to a predominantly young electorate eager for change, many of whom participated in the student-led protests that ultimately led to Hasina's removal and paved the way for the February 12 election.