Contents
Mae Jemison
Becoming the first Black woman to travel into space.
First Black woman in space · The Earth We Share
- Born
- 17 October 1956
- Birthplace
- Decatur, Alabama, United States
More people
Mae Jemison
An American physician, engineer and astronaut who flew aboard Endeavour in 1992. Her career connects medicine, space research and science education.
Early life
Chicago upbringing
Grew up in Chicago with interests in science and dance.
Engineering and medicine
Studied chemical engineering and African and African-American studies at Stanford, then earned a Cornell medical degree.
Career
- 1983–1985
Peace Corps physician
Served in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
- 1987
NASA selection
Entered astronaut training after working as a doctor.
- 1992
STS-47
Conducted life-science and materials experiments aboard Endeavour.
- 1993 onward
Independent work
Left NASA and developed technology and education projects.
Missions & projects
First Black woman in space
Flew an eight-day mission as a science mission specialist.
The Earth We Share
Founded an international science camp programme.
100 Year Starship
Began leading an initiative exploring the capabilities needed for interstellar travel.
Beyond space
Dance
Continued an interest in dance alongside her scientific career.
Star Trek
Appeared in The Next Generation after its earlier portrayal of Lieutenant Uhura had inspired her.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Photo: NASA. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
