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Mae Jemison: An Extraordinary Woman (Part II)

© Christina Coruth

After accomplishing so much, had Mae Jemison forgotten her childhood decision to become an astronaut? She had not! In 1987, NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) accepted Mae's application to become an astronaut candidate. She completed her training a year later, thus becoming the fifth African American astronaut and the first African American woman astronaut for NASA.

On September 12, 1992, in an eight minute trip, Dr. Mae Jemison flew into space and into history aboard the space shuttle Endeavour. She was the first African American woman in space. As a Science Mission Specialist, she conducted scientific experiments during her eight days in space. She enjoyed the experience of weightlessness, especially when dancing. She could twirl many more times on one spin in space than she could on earth. When asked if she would be interested in returning to space, she replied that she would. She would like to see earth from the moon or Mars. She resigned from NASA in 1993.

Mae first started thinking of going into space as a child. Her decision was reinforced when at the age of ten she saw a TV program called Star Trek. The Star Trek crew was made up of men and women of all races and nationalities, including an African American woman named Lieutenant Uhura. Mae knew it was a TV show, not real life. Yet Lieutenant Uhura inspired Mae. Women and people of color were not astronauts in the real world at that time. Still, the TV program showed Mae that it was possible.

As an adult, Mae noted that the circle had been completed. In 1993, former astronaut Mae Jemison became the only real astronaut to ever play a part on any of the Star Trek series programs when she appeared on an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

What could be next for this engineer, doctor, Peace Corps volunteer, actress, and astronaut? The answer to that question came in an invitation from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. Mae accepted a position as professor of Environmental Studies, which she held from 1995 until 2002. She is also a businesswoman. Her company, the Jemison Group, helps developing countries use science and technology to improve the daily lives and well-being of their people. Mae is also a mentor. Her company started The Earth We Share, an international science camp for students. Each year, students ages 12 - 16 spend a month at science camp where they learn to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Mae has also written a very interesting book about her life entitled, Find Where the Wind Goes.