About
Mae Jemison is a pioneering figure in aerospace engineering, medicine, and space exploration. Born on October 17, 1956, in Alabama, she grew up with a passion for science and space, inspired by the Apollo missions and the Star Trek character Lieutenant Uhura, played by African American actress Nichelle Nichols. Despite facing racial discrimination, Jemison excelled academically, earning degrees in Chemical Engineering and African and African-American studies from Stanford University, and later, a Doctorate in Medicine from Cornell Medical School.
Jemison’s career took her on various paths, including serving as a medical officer in the Peace Corps in Africa and working as a doctor in private practice. After her time with the Peace Corps, Mae Jemison was inspired by Sally Ride’s achievement as the first American woman in space in 1983. This motivated her to apply to NASA’s astronaut program in 1985. Unfortunately, after the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy in 1986, NASA halted new astronaut selections temporarily. Undeterred, Jemison reapplied in 1987 and was among the 15 individuals chosen from over 2,000 applicants to be part of NASA Astronaut Group 12.
Upon selection, Jemison underwent rigorous training with NASA, participating in projects at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory. Finally, on September 28, 1989, she received her first mission assignment as a Mission Specialist for the STS-47 crew. On September 12, 1992, Jemison and her six fellow astronauts launched into space aboard the space shuttle Endeavor. This historic journey marked a significant milestone as Jemison became the first African American woman to venture into space. The mission encompassed 127 orbits around the Earth before safely returning to the Kennedy Space Center on September 20, 1992.
After leaving NASA in 1993, Jemison founded The Jemison Group, a consulting company focused on science, technology, and social change. She also appeared in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation and created initiatives like The Earth We Share (TEWS), an international space camp for students. Jemison later became a professor at Cornell University and authored a children’s book called “Find Where the Wind Goes.”
Current
Currently, Jemison leads the 100 Year Starship project at the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), aiming to enable human space travel to another star within the next century. She serves on the boards of multiple organizations and has received numerous awards and honors throughout her illustrious career. Mae Jemison’s contributions and achievements have left a lasting impact on aerospace engineering, space exploration, and STEM advocacy.
“Never be limited by other people’s imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.
Mae Jemison