The First Hispanic Woman to Go to Space - Dr. Ellen Ochoa
09/21/22
National Hispanic Heritage Month
- Celebrated annually from September 15th to October 15th in the United States
- Recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans
- Started in 1968 as a week-long event, expanded to a month in 1988
- Acknowledges the history, culture, and achievements of Hispanic Americans
- Supported by various influential figures, including Jennifer Lopez and Sonia Sotomayor
Ellen Ochoa's Background
- Born in Los Angeles to Mexican-American parents
- Academic career at San Diego State and Stanford University
- Spent 30 years at NASA, became an astronaut and went into space four times
- Later became the director of Johnson Space Center
- Personified the American dream through her journey
Inspiration from Sally Ride
- Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, inspired Ellen Ochoa
- Shared commonalities with Sally Ride, such as being a woman and studying physics at Stanford University
- Sally Ride's achievements made Ellen Ochoa consider pursuing a career in space
- Sally Ride's flight in 1983 was a significant milestone for women in space
- Ellen Ochoa needed to see these commonalities to believe she could achieve similar feats
Studying Global Warming
- Ellen Ochoa studied global warming from space
- Space provided a unique perspective to understand the problem fully
- Conducted research on the Earth's atmosphere and the issue of ozone depletion
- Ochoa's interest in space was driven by the ability to conduct research not possible on Earth's surface
- The mission she flew into space for the first time focused on studying the ozone hole
Impact and Legacy
- Ellen Ochoa's exemplary work led to promotions, including being the Director of the Johnson Space Center
- Schools bearing her name have been established in California, Texas, and Oklahoma
- Ochoa has inspired and encouraged a new generation, particularly Hispanic students, to pursue careers in science and engineering
- Currently retired and living in Idaho, Ochoa continues to stay connected to the industry she dedicated her career to
- She had a fulfilling career, balancing family and work, and being able to inspire Hispanic kids across the country.