Journey to Weightlessness: NASA Astronaut Susan Kilrain's Path to the Stars

Susan Kilrain is an American aerospace engineer, former United States Navy officer, and a former NASA astronaut. She is the youngest person to pilot a Space Shuttle. She has flown more than 3,000 hours and among her merits she was awarded with the Defense Superior Service Medal. SHOW SUMMARY Join host Bob Pizzini in an inspiring conversation with NASA astronaut Susan Kilrain, where she shares her extraordinary journey from a childhood fascination with flying to becoming one of the few women to pilot the Space Shuttle. Susan's remarkable career, from aeronautical engineering to Navy test pilot to two space shuttle missions, reflects her determination to defy barriers and achieve her dreams. Discover her experiences in space, the challenges she overcame, and her inspiring insights on leadership, resilience, and pursuing one's passions. ​ KEY TAKEAWAYS Susan Kilrain's childhood fascination with airplanes and her journey from obtaining a private pilot's license to becoming an astronaut. Overcoming gender barriers and challenges in a male-dominated field as a Navy test pilot and space shuttle pilot. Her experiences in orbit, including missions aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia and the challenges faced during spaceflight. Balancing a family life with a demanding career, making tough decisions, and transitioning to diverse post-astronaut roles. ​ QUOTES "I didn't have any apprehension about being an astronaut and piloting the space shuttle. It was what I wanted to do." "Flying in space, you know, if you could turn all the noise off from the shuttle, it would be completely quiet, dead silent. You don't feel anything. It's just weightlessness." "Keeping the family together ultimately was the right decision, but everybody does it differently." "It's good being on this side of my kids. They don't need me very much anymore." Get to know more about Susan Kilrain. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-still-kilrain-ba527734/ ABOUT ROBERT Robert is a #1 Best Selling Author, Speaker, Award-Winning CEO, and above all, a Leadership Coach by heart. Join Robert and together your will lead with confidence, unify your team, and expand your comfort zone. Where to find Robert. Website: https://robertpizzini.com/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-your-leadership/id1547181480 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqx9fuoZnq0--c1ttdckwLg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices