Passion Struck with John R. Miles: Episode 641 – Astronaut Susan Kilrain on What It Really Takes to Get to Space

Release Date: July 24, 2025

In Episode 641 of Passion Struck with John R. Miles, host John R. Miles engages in an inspiring and in-depth conversation with Susan Kilrain, a trailblazing NASA astronaut, former US Navy fighter pilot, and the second woman in history to pilot the space shuttle. This episode delves into Susan's remarkable journey, the challenges she faced breaking through gender barriers, her experiences in space, and her subsequent reinvention as a mother, author, and speaker.

1. Early Passion for Aviation and Career Beginnings

Susan Kilrain's love for flying ignited in her teenage years. Growing up in Georgia, she spent countless hours at the local airport with her father, who fostered her budding interest in aviation despite financial constraints.

Susan Kilrain [00:49]: "I fell in love with watching the airplanes and thought one day it would be really cool to fly airplanes."

Determined to pursue her passion, Susan earned her private pilot's license in just one month during her senior year of high school, demonstrating her exceptional dedication and aptitude for aviation.

2. Overcoming Barriers as a Female Pilot

Breaking into the male-dominated field of naval aviation was no small feat for Susan. When she approached her father with her dream of becoming an astronaut, his unwavering support was pivotal.

Susan Kilrain [00:49]: "My dad... said, yeah, you can be anything you want to be."

Despite facing initial rejection from the Air Force due to the combat exclusion policy, Susan persisted, eventually securing a place in the Navy's test pilot program. Her resilience paid off as she became the first woman to pilot an F-14 and later the space shuttle.

3. NASA and Shuttle Missions

Susan's tenure at NASA was marked by two significant shuttle missions. Her first mission, STS-83, was cut short after four days due to technical issues, but her second mission, STS-94, was triumphant, allowing her to conduct important scientific experiments.

Susan Kilrain [36:07]: "Don't screw it up."

Beyond the technical challenges, Susan candidly shares the emotional aspects of space travel, including the fear and adrenaline of landing an aircraft carrier and the profound perspective gained from orbiting Earth.

4. Transition to Family Life and Reinvention

After achieving her astronaut dreams, Susan made the difficult decision to leave NASA to prioritize her family. Balancing a high-stakes career with motherhood presented new challenges, leading her to reinvent herself beyond her identity as an astronaut and pilot.

Susan Kilrain [43:03]: "I allowed myself to become my kid's mother. And yeah, you lose a lot of identity in that."

This transition was not without its struggles, as Susan grappled with redefining her sense of self and finding new passions.

5. Role as a Parent and Influencing Her Children

Susan emphasizes the importance of letting her children explore their own paths without undue pressure, encouraging resilience and the ability to handle failure gracefully.

Susan Kilrain [45:11]: "Their emotions are your emotions and their failures feel like you're failures."

Her daughter’s journey through Navy flight school mirrors Susan's own experiences, highlighting the generational impact of Susan’s guidance and philosophy.

6. Current Projects: Author and Speaker

Embracing her role as a mentor and inspiration, Susan has transitioned into writing and speaking. Her children's book, "An Unlikely Astronaut," aims to inspire young minds to pursue their dreams regardless of obstacles.

Susan Kilrain [49:52]: "If I can grow up in my life and become an astronaut, kids today can grow up to do anything they want to do."

Additionally, Susan engages in STEM education, speaking engagements, and serves on various boards, leveraging her unique experiences to inspire and lead.

7. Future of Space Travel and Commercial Spaceflight

Susan provides insightful commentary on the evolution of NASA's space programs, particularly the shift from government-led missions to commercial partnerships with companies like SpaceX.

Susan Kilrain [57:50]: "Putting it on the commercial side makes things happen faster."

She discusses the complexities and challenges of upcoming missions under the Artemis program, emphasizing the need for sustainable and safe advancements in space travel.

8. Final Thoughts and Advice

Throughout the conversation, Susan Kilrain offers valuable advice on personal reinvention, embracing new challenges, and the importance of continuous learning.

Susan Kilrain [55:53]: "Don't be afraid to jump in and do something that you have absolutely no experience in. It may not work out or you may not enjoy it, but it's all an experience, a learning experience."

Her philosophy centers on resilience, determination, and the pursuit of purpose beyond traditional measures of success.

Conclusion

Susan Kilrain's journey from a young aviation enthusiast to a pioneering astronaut and beyond exemplifies the essence of intentional living and radical self-transformation. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that true fulfillment stems not from external achievements alone but from the continuous evolution of self and the courage to pursue one's passions.

Notable Quotes:

• Susan Kilrain [00:49]: "I think that the key almost to every child's success and ability to dream is that they have somebody in their corner that says, yeah, you can be anything you want to be."

• Susan Kilrain [43:03]: "I allowed myself to become my kid's mother. And yeah, you lose a lot of identity in that."

• Susan Kilrain [55:53]: "Don't be afraid to jump in and do something that you have absolutely no experience in. It may not work out or you may not enjoy it, but it's all an experience, a learning experience."

• Susan Kilrain [49:52]: "If I can grow up in my life and become an astronaut, kids today can grow up to do anything they want to do."

For those inspired by Susan's story and seeking to navigate their own paths to reinvention and intentional living, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and practical advice. Whether you're contemplating a major life change or striving to balance personal aspirations with family life, Susan Kilrain's experiences offer valuable lessons in resilience, determination, and the pursuit of purpose.