ASTRO logo
Present

Facts for Kids

Mae Jemison is a trailblazing astronaut, physician, and advocate for science education, known for being the first African American woman to travel in space.

main image
Description of image
Explore the internet with AstroSafe
Search safely, manage screen time, and remove ads and inappropriate content with the AstroSafe Browser.
Download
Inside this Article
Los Angeles
Did you know?
πŸš€ Mae Jemison became the first African American woman in space in 1992.
πŸŽ“ She earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from Cornell University.
🌌 Jemison served as a NASA astronaut for six years.
πŸ›°οΈ She flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-47.
πŸ… Mae Jemison is also a dancer and has performed with the Ballet Company of the Peninsula.
🌍 Before joining NASA, she worked as a physician in the Peace Corps in West Africa.
πŸ“š Jemison is an advocate for science literacy and education for minorities.
πŸ”¬ She founded the Jemison Group, which seeks to promote technology in developing nations.
πŸ‘©β€πŸš€ Jemison is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
πŸŽ–οΈ She was inducted into the United States National Women's Hall of Fame in 1993.
Show Less
Description of image
Become a Creator with DIY.org
A safe online space featuring over 5,000 challenges to create, explore and learn in.
Learn more
Overview
Mae Jemison is a very special person because she was the first African American woman to travel in space! πŸš€

She was born on October 17, 1956, in Decatur, Alabama. Mae dreamed big! She loved science and wanted to explore the universe. In 1992, she flew on the Space Shuttle Endeavour. During her mission, she helped conduct important scientific experiments. Mae inspires many kids to follow their dreams, especially in science and space!
Read Less
Medical Career
Before becoming an astronaut, Mae Jemison worked as a doctor. 🩺

After finishing medical school, she worked in a hospital in Los Angeles, California. Mae was also very interested in helping others. In 1983, she traveled to West Africa as a medical officer, where she treated patients and helped in medical projects. Mae loved her job, but she still dreamed of going to space! Her skills as a doctor made her an excellent candidate for NASA.
Read Less
Post-NASA Career
After her exciting time at NASA, Mae Jemison didn't stop! πŸŽ“

She became a professor at Dartmouth College, teaching students about engineering and science. Mae also started her own company called BioSentient, which creates technology to help improve health. She wants everyone to understand how science can make the world a better place. Mae keeps sharing her passion for exploration and learning with kids everywhere!
Read Less
Awards and Honors
Throughout her life, Mae Jemison has received many awards and honors for her incredible work. πŸ…

She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame and named a National Heritage Fellow. Mae also received the Ebony Magazine's Outstanding Women in America Award. These honors show how much she is respected and admired for her achievements. Mae is a true role model for future generations of scientists and explorers!
Read Less
Legacy and Impact
Mae Jemison's journey is a powerful story that continues to inspire people today. 🌟

She has shown that dreams can come true with hard work and determination. As a pioneer for women in space, Mae encourages kids to chase their dreams and explore the unknown. Her legacy reminds us all to believe in ourselves and never stop learning. Mae Jemison continues to impact the fields of science and space exploration, proving that girls belong in any field!
Read Less
Space Mission: STS-47
In 1992, Mae Jemison flew in space on the Space Shuttle Endeavour during a mission called STS-47. 🌌

She spent nearly eight days in orbit around Earth, conducting exciting experiments. Mae focused on studying how weightlessness affects humans and plants. She even shared her experience with kids back on Earth, encouraging them to be curious about science. Mae's mission was a leap for diversity in space travel and science!
Read Less
NASA Astronaut Program
In 1987, Mae Jemison applied to NASA's astronaut program, a program for people who want to go into space. ⭐

After an intense selection process, she was chosen to be one of the astronauts! Mae went through a lot of training, learning how to use spacecraft and perform scientific experiments in space. She was determined and worked hard, proving that girls can do anything, especially in fields like science and technology!
Read Less
Early Life and Education
Mae Jemison had a curious mind when she was young. She loved to read books about space, plants, and animals. πŸ“š

After finishing high school in 1973, Mae went to Stanford University in California. She studied chemical engineering and graduated in 1977. Then, she went to medical school at Cornell University in New York, where she earned her medical degree in 1981. Mae's love for learning helped her achieve amazing things!
Read Less
Advocacy and Public Speaking
Mae Jemison is not just a scientist and astronaut; she is also a great speaker! πŸ“£

She advocates for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, especially for girls and underrepresented groups. Mae travels around the world to give inspiring talks, encouraging young people to pursue their dreams. She teaches that anyone can be successful in science, no matter where they come from or what they look like!
Read Less

Try your luck with the Mae Jemison Quiz.

Try this Mae Jemison quiz and see how many you score!
Q1
Question 1 of 10
Next
Explore More