Ellen Ochoa

Ellen Ochoa is an American engineer and former astronaut. She was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1958. She became the first Hispanic woman to go to space in 1993. She later became the first Hispanic person and second woman to direct NASA's Johnson Space Center.

Early Life

Ochoa excelled in school and loved math and science. She studied physics at San Diego State University and earned a doctorate in electrical engineering from Stanford. She also holds three patents for optical systems she invented. She was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1990.

Space Career

Ochoa flew to space four times and spent nearly 1,000 hours in orbit. On her first mission, she studied the Sun's effect on Earth's climate. She played the flute while in orbit aboard the Space Shuttle. She later became director of the Johnson Space Center, overseeing all human spaceflight operations.

Fun Facts

• Ellen Ochoa played the flute while floating in the Space Shuttle.
• She logged nearly 1,000 hours in space over four missions.
• She holds three patents for optical inventions.

Did You Know?

Ellen Ochoa brings a flute with her on space missions. She has said that playing music in zero gravity is a magical experience.