Mae Jemison

Astronaut

Birthday October 17, 1956

Birth Sign Libra

Birthplace Decatur, AL

Age 68 years old

#12,371 Most Popular

About

On September 12, 1992, she became the first African-American woman to journey into space. She was aboard the Endeavour as part of the STS-47 mission, the 50th mission of the Space Shuttle program.

Before Fame

She grew up with a love of both science and the arts, having a passion specifically for dance. She graduated from Stanford University with degrees in chemical engineering, African studies, and African-American studies. She then earned her medical degree from Cornell University.

Trivia

She served in the Peace Corps from 1985 to 1987, and in 1993 she appeared on Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Family Life

She was born to Dorothy Green and Charlie Jemison.

Associated With

She became the first African-American woman in space after Sally Ride became the first woman in space.