Dr. Mae Jemison: First African American Woman in Space

On September 12, 1992, Dr. Mae Jemison made history as the first African American woman to travel into space. She was a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-47, a cooperative mission between the United States and Japan.

Background

• Mae Jemison: Born on October 17, 1956, in Decatur, Alabama, Jemison was raised in Chicago, Illinois. She excelled academically, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University and a Doctor of Medicine degree from Cornell University.
• NASA Selection: In 1987, Jemison was selected by NASA as one of 15 candidates from a pool of over 2,000 applicants, becoming the first African American woman admitted into the astronaut training program.

Mission STS-47

• Launch Date: September 12, 1992
• Space Shuttle: Endeavour
• Duration: The mission lasted for eight days, from September 12 to September 20, 1992.
• Crew: The mission included a diverse crew of seven astronauts, including Jemison, who served as a mission specialist.

Objectives and Achievements

• Spacelab-J: The mission was notable for its Spacelab-J module, a collaborative effort between NASA and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). It focused on life sciences and materials processing experiments.
• Experiments: Jemison conducted experiments in life sciences, including bone cell research and experiments on frog fertilization and development in microgravity.
• Significance: Her participation highlighted the importance of diversity in space exploration and served as an inspiration for women and minorities in STEM fields.

Aftermath and Legacy

• Post-NASA Career: After her historic flight, Jemison left NASA in 1993 to pursue a career in academia and technology. She founded The Jemison Group, a technology consulting firm, and the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, which promotes science education.
• Cultural Impact: Jemison’s journey into space broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of diverse astronauts. She remains a prominent advocate for science education and diversity in STEM fields.

Dr. Mae Jemison’s achievement on September 12, 1992, is a landmark event in the history of space exploration, symbolizing progress in the inclusion and representation of African Americans and women in science and technology. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower individuals worldwide.