When Mae Jemison was a young girl watching Neil Armstrong walk on the Moon in 1969, she noticed something missing—there were no astronauts who looked like her.
Decades later, she would make history by becoming the first African American woman in space.
On Sept. 12, 1992, Jemison launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour as a mission specialist for STS-47, a joint mission with the Japanese space agency.
During her time in orbit, she conducted groundbreaking materials and life science experiments, breaking barriers in both science and representation.
From Chicago to the Stars
Born in 1956 and raised in Chicago, Jemison’s love for space and science was fueled by Star Trek’s Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, played by Nichelle Nichols. Inspired by the character’s presence in a futuristic, space-faring world, Jemison pursued her passion for science, earning a medical degree from Cornell University in 1981.
Before joining NASA, she worked as a physician and served in the Peace Corps, contributing to global healthcare initiatives. Fluent in multiple languages, including Russian and Swahili, Jemison was determined to expand her knowledge and skills to prepare for space travel.
Breaking Barriers at NASA
In 1987, Jemison was selected as one of 15 candidates from over 2,000 applicants to join NASA’s Astronaut Group 12. After years of training, she made history in 1992 as the first Black woman to travel to space.
In a nod to the Star Trek character who inspired her, Jemison began her space communications with the phrase, “Hailing frequencies open.” She also carried a Bundu statue from West Africa and a pennant from Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first African American sorority, to honor her heritage.
A Legacy Beyond Space
After leaving NASA in 1993, Jemison dedicated her life to advancing science education, particularly for minority students. She founded the Jemison Group, which explores the cultural impacts of technology, and the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, named after her mother, to promote STEM education.
Her influence even reached pop culture—Jemison became the first real astronaut to appear on Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1993, fulfilling a full-circle moment in her journey.
Today, Jemison continues to shape the future of space exploration through initiatives like the 100 Year Starship project, aiming to enable interstellar travel within the next century.
As we celebrate Black History Month, Mae Jemison’s story serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance, representation, and dreaming beyond the stars.
