Mae Jemison

Mae Jemison is an American astronaut and doctor. She was born in Decatur, Alabama, in 1956. In 1992, she became the first African American woman to go to space. She is also a doctor, engineer, and teacher.

Early Life

Jemison grew up in Chicago, Illinois. She loved science and dance as a child. She entered Stanford University at just 16 years old. She became a doctor and worked in the Peace Corps in Africa.

Astronaut Mae Jemison at the Kennedy Space Center in 1992.
Astronaut Mae Jemison at the Kennedy Space Center in 1992. (National Aeronautics and Space Administration / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

Jemison applied to NASA and was accepted in 1987. She flew on the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992. She spent over 190 hours in space. After leaving NASA, she started a company to develop new technology.

Fun Facts

  • Jemison was inspired to become an astronaut by the character Uhura on Star Trek.
  • She later appeared on an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
  • She speaks four languages: English, Russian, Japanese, and Swahili.

Did You Know?

Jemison took a poster of the Alvin Ailey dance company with her to space. She wanted to show that science and art can go together.