Mae Jemison shattered barriers as the first African American woman to travel in space. A physician, engineer, and polyglot who speaks four languages, she was accepted to both medical school and Cornell's engineering programme simultaneously. She served as a Peace Corps medical officer in Sierra Leone and Liberia before being selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1987. She flew on Space Shuttle Endeavour in September 1992 (STS-47), conducting bone cell research and materials processing experiments in microgravity. Jemison left NASA in 1993 to found the Jemison Group and lead the DARPA-funded 100 Year Starship project — an initiative to develop the science and technology needed for interstellar travel within the next century. She is proof that the highest human achievements belong to everyone.
Key Contribution
First African American woman in space (STS-47, September 1992). Conducted pioneering bone cell research in microgravity. Leads the 100 Year Starship project — working toward interstellar travel within 100 years. Founded the Jemison Group to use technology to solve global problems.
“Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations. If you adopt their attitudes, then the possibility won't exist because you'll have already shut it out.”
— Mae Jemison
Works & Achievements
- ✦STS-47, Space Shuttle Endeavour (September 1992) — first African American woman in space
- ✦100 Year Starship Project (DARPA-funded)
- ✦Founded the Jemison Group
- ✦National Women's Hall of Fame inductee
- ✦Appeared as herself in Star Trek: The Next Generation
- ✦Holds doctorate in medicine and bachelor's in chemical engineering