ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Colonel Eileen Marie Collins was born in Elmira, New York in 1956. The young woman grew up loving everything from hiking, to reading and even astronomy. Come 1990, NASA selected Collins to become an astronaut in the Summer of 1991; starting a journey of over 872 hours spent in space. 

Collins lives in Texas, but she books the occasional trip home to Elmira to inspire young astronauts and kids looking for a glimmer of inspiration. The retired NASA crew member is working on sharing her story with a British Production Team, in her book, and events. 

"I like to come back and engage with the community," said Collins, adding, "I grew up here and we have the National Soaring Museum. You know, we have some aviation history here with the gliders and you know, Schweitzer gliders. I learned how to fly at the regional airport here, the Elmira Corning Regional Airport. So for me, it's, it's personal. So it's kind of a step back into the past. But it's also a chance for me to influence the young people in the future."

Colonel Collins had space flight experience on the STS-64 Discovery from February 3rd through the 11th in 1995. NASA says this was the first flight of what was then, a new joint Russian-American Space Program. 

Collins was a team member on other missions including, STS-84 from May 15-24, 1997. On top of that, she served onboard the STS-93, where Collins was the first woman Shuttle Commander. Lastly, she was aboard the STS-114 from July 26-August 9, 2005. 

A British production team has been documenting what Collin's life is like now, and her recounting her life reaching beyond the stars to her dreams. 

"We're making a film about Eileen Collins," shared Producer Keith Haviland, "One of the favorite daughters of Elmira, and she was the first woman to command and pilot a space shuttle. So a really significant figure in space history. And we're here making a film called Space Woman about her life and career. "

Alongside the Chemung County Historical Society, Collins came back to her roots to spotlight her journey on the ground and floating throughout the international space station.

Collins said she hopes to inspire the next generation to put their phone and tablet down, open a book, practice a math problem or two, and consider the endless possibilities that thrive in your imagination.

The documentary called "Space Woman" is expected sometime in 2025. Her book, "Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars" is available for purchase.