The National Space Society invites you to the next Space Forum
Thursday, August 27, 2026, 8:00 pm to 9:15 pm EST
Slaying Snakes in the Cockpit:
Life Lessons from an Unlikely Astronaut
With special guest
Commander Susan Kilrain, USN (retired)
NASA Astronaut, Naval Aviator, Test Pilot, and Author
What does it take to become a space shuttle pilot? For Susan Kilrain, the journey required far more than technical skill. It took persistence, confidence, and a willingness to push through barriers and doubts along the way.
In this NSS Space Forum, astronaut and former U.S. Navy test pilot Susan Kilrain joins us to discuss her new book, Slaying Snakes in the Cockpit, and the experiences that shaped her career.
Kilrain began as an aerospace engineer before entering the Navy, becoming a test pilot and one of the first women to fly the F-14 Tomcat. She later joined NASA and became the youngest person to pilot the space shuttle, flying two missions aboard Columbia.
But Slaying Snakes in the Cockpit is about more than career milestones. Kilrain writes candidly about the challenges she faced along the way, including gender bias and institutional resistance, as well as her own moments of doubt and fear. She also shares the personal side of pursuing such a demanding career while balancing family and life beyond the cockpit.
Join us for a conversation about flying, space exploration, overcoming barriers, and the lessons she learned along the way. We will also explore what her experiences can offer the next generation pursuing careers in aviation, aerospace, and space.
As an added bonus, four attendees will receive autographed copies of Slaying Snakes in the Cockpit as virtual door prizes. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Susan Kilrain share the stories behind her remarkable career. Register for the space forum today.
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Commander Susan Kilrain, USN (Retired) is an astronaut, U.S. Navy test pilot, aerospace engineer, author, and one of the pioneering women in military aviation. She was among the first women selected to fly the F-14 Tomcat and is the youngest person, and one of only three women, to have piloted the space shuttle.
Kilrain served 20 years in the Navy and logged more than 3,000 flight hours in over 30 different aircraft. Selected by NASA as an astronaut in 1994, she flew as pilot aboard Columbia on STS-83 and STS-94 in 1997, spending more than 20 days in space. When not training for spaceflight, Kilrain worked in Mission Control supporting space shuttle launches and landings and later served at NASA Headquarters in the office of Safety and Legislative Affairs.
Before joining the Navy, Kilrain worked as a wind tunnel project officer at Lockheed Corporation (now Lockheed Martin). She earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. During her military career she was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal.
Today, Kilrain is a speaker, author, consultant, venture partner, and advocate for STEM education. She is a partner at New North Ventures and the author of the children’s book An Unlikely Astronaut and her new book, Slaying Snakes in the Cockpit.
Register today to reserve your seat and ask your questions. Use the link below.
Register no later than August 27 at 7 pm EST
