First African American woman in space, trailblazing physician and educator who inspired generations of women and minorities in STEM fields.
Mae Jemison is known for being the first African American woman to travel into space, a feat she achieved on September 12, 1992, aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. This remarkable achievement marked a historic milestone in the space program, paving the way for future generations of women and minorities in STEM fields.
Mae Carol Jemison was born on October 17, 1956, in Decatur, Alabama, to Charlie and Dorothy Jemison. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois, with her two siblings and parents. From a young age, Mae was fascinated by science and mathematics, thanks in part to her favorite TV show, Star Trek.
She attended Morgan Park High School, where she excelled in her studies, particularly in chemistry and mathematics. In 1973, Mae enrolled at Stanford University, where she earned a degree in chemical engineering and African and African American studies in 1977.
After completing her undergraduate degree, Mae attended Cornell University Medical College, earning her medical degree in 1981. She worked as a general practitioner for several years, including a stint as a doctor for the Peace Corps in Liberia and Sierra Leone from 1983 to 1985.
In 1987, Mae was selected to join NASA's astronaut corps, becoming the first African American woman to be admitted to the program. She was assigned to the STS-47 mission, which launched on September 12, 1992, and orbited the Earth for nearly eight days.
After leaving NASA in 1993, Mae founded a technology research company, Jemison Group, Inc. She also established the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, a non-profit organization that focuses on education and advocacy for STEM education.
In 2012, Mae became the principal of the 100 Year Starship project, a non-profit initiative funded by DARPA, which aims to ensure humanity's survival by establishing a presence in space within the next century.
Mae Jemison's remarkable achievements have inspired countless individuals, particularly women and minorities, to pursue careers in STEM fields. Her legacy extends beyond her accomplishments as an astronaut, as she continues to advocate for education, diversity, and inclusion in the sciences.
As a testament to her enduring impact, Mae has been featured in various media outlets, including a 1993 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and has written several books for children, promoting science literacy and exploration.
Today, Mae Jemison remains a beacon of inspiration, encouraging future generations to reach for the stars and defy gravity.
74 Years Old
American physicist and astronaut who broke barriers as the first woman in space, inspiring generations of women in STEM fields. Founded a company to promote science education and literacy.
89 Years Old
First woman in space, completing 48 orbits of the Earth in 1963, paving the way for future female astronauts.
95 Years Old
First person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, marking a historic milestone in space exploration.
96 Years Old
Second man to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, a pioneering astronaut and advocate for space exploration.
95 Years Old
Led the third manned mission to land on the Moon, Apollo 12, and became the third person to walk on its surface. Known for his bold and fearless approach to space exploration.
94 Years Old
One of the 12 humans to walk on the Moon during NASA's Apollo program, known for his moonwalk during Apollo 12 and later becoming a painter, capturing the beauty of space through art.
97 Years Old
American baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1965 to 1975, known for being a four-time All-Star and winning the American League ERA title in 1968.
62 Years Old
Spent a year in space, setting a record for the longest single spaceflight by an American, and providing valuable insights into the effects of long-term space travel on the human body.
