In Episode 152 of the Talk4 Podcast, we had the rare honour of sitting down with one of the most inspiring figures in aerospace and military history: Susan Kilrain — a NASA astronaut, aerospace engineer, and former U.S. Navy test pilot. But beyond the impressive accolades lies a story of unshakable resilience, razor-sharp leadership, and relentless pursuit of purpose.
This episode wasn’t just a conversation. It was a mission briefing on life, packed with lessons that apply far beyond the cockpit or command centre.
From Georgia to NASA: A Childhood Dream Takes Flight
Susan’s journey began in a small Georgia town with no money, no roadmap, and no idea how far she’d end up going. Her earliest inspiration came from watching planes take off at the local airport with her dad — a free form of entertainment that ignited a lifelong obsession with flight.
She earned her private pilot’s license in just one month while still in high school, kickstarting a career that would take her from the F-14 Tomcat to the Space Shuttle Columbia.
Breaking Barriers in a Man’s World
At a time when women weren’t allowed to fly combat aircraft off carriers, Susan navigated institutional limitations with a tactical mindset. Instead of retreating, she advanced — becoming a Navy flight instructor, logging over 1,000 hours, and eventually getting accepted to Test Pilot School.
From there, her path to NASA opened. But even after getting the call to pilot the Space Shuttle, she didn’t let up — because piloting the Shuttle meant your first real “flight” was during re-entry, with no engines, no do-overs, and all eyes on you.
Space, Crisis, and the Power of Leadership
In her first mission (STS-83), Susan and her crew had to cut the trip short due to a critical system failure. That forced a level of crisis leadership few ever experience — in orbit, with millions of dollars at stake, and the world watching. She describes this not just as a moment of technical response, but of human connection: keeping morale up, staying focused, and reminding the crew of the mission beyond the mission.
Her second mission, flown just three months later with the same team, completed the science work the first mission couldn’t — proof that the setback didn’t define the story.
Life After NASA: Reinvention & Impact
Rather than chasing legacy within NASA, Susan chose to keep her family together and moved into the next chapter of life. She’s since built a second career in public speaking, STEM education, and even venture capital — weighing in on cutting-edge aerospace startups from a pilot’s and engineer’s perspective.
She also became an author, releasing An Unlikely Astronaut, a children’s book to inspire young dreamers, and Snakes in the Cockpit, an upcoming adult book filled with life lessons on courage, fear, and calculated risk.
Wisdom That Transcends Space
Here are a few standout takeaways from this conversation:
-
“Aviate. Navigate. Communicate.” — This pilot mantra became her universal leadership model: stabilise, assess, and then express. Whether you’re in a jet, a business, or a family crisis, this applies.
-
You don’t need to be the loudest person to lead. Susan’s calm, strategic, and composed presence proves that leadership isn’t about dominance — it’s about timing, trust, and clarity.
-
“Enjoy the journey.” The biggest goal in your life may never happen. And if it does, it may not last long. The joy must come from the path itself — not just the destination.
Final Thoughts
Susan Kilrain’s story is a masterclass in excellence, courage, and evolution. From launching jets off carriers to launching humans into space, and now launching ideas and inspiration into young minds, her mission continues.
🎧 Listen to the full episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.
👉 Explore more about Susan at susankilrain.com
🛍️ Grab her book An Unlikely Astronaut or keep an eye out for Snakes in the Cockpit, coming soon.
#Talk4Podcast #SusanKilrain #NASA #WomenInSTEM #F14Tomcat #Leadership #SpaceShuttle #PilotLife #STEMEducation #Inspiration
