Skip to main content

Ellen Ochoa, First Latina in Space, to be Inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame

astronaut_hall_of_fame.jpg
Support Provided By
ellen_ochoa.jpg
Photo: NASA Johnson/Flickr/Creative Commons

Ellen Ochoa, who grew up in La Mesa and attended San Diego State University, will be inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame in May, according to the organization. Ochoa, one of three astronauts to graduate from Grossmont High School in El Cajon, was the first Hispanic woman in space. She took part in four space shuttle missions, including one as payload commander.

She's currently the director of the Johnson Space Center in Houston. SDSU honored her as Distinguished Alumna of the Year in 1995.``I'm honored to be recognized among generations of astronauts who were at the forefront of exploring our universe for the benefit of humankind,'' Ochoa said. ``I hope to continue to inspire our nation's youth to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math so they, too, may reach for the stars.'' 

Michael Foale, the first British astronaut to conduct a space walk and a veteran of six space shuttle missions, will be inducted along with Ochoa at the Hall of Fame on May 19 in Titusville, Florida.

astronut_hall_of_fame_inside.jpg
Inside the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame

More on Ella Ochoa's Achievements

Ochoa's career with NASA began with a big bang as she developed three patents in optical systems soon after joining the Ames Research Center. Since there were no female astronauts to look up to while growing up, she had never dreamed of becoming an astronaut -- but her mind-expanding time in graduate school changed all that. She first applied to become an astronaut in 1985, while continuing her quest for science and adventure by developing more patents in optics and earning a pilot license.

*Banner Image of U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame || Photo: Reinhard Link/Flickr/Creative Commons

Support Provided By
Read More
A row of cows stands in individual cages along a line of light-colored enclosures, placed along a dirt path under a blue sky dotted with white puffy clouds.

A Battle Is Underway Over California’s Lucrative Dairy Biogas Market

California is considering changes to a program that has incentivized dairy biogas, to transform methane emissions into a source of natural gas. Neighbors are pushing for an end to the subsidies because of its impact on air quality and possible water pollution.
A Black woman with long, black brains wears a black Chicago Bulls windbreaker jacket with red and white stripes as she stands at the top of a short staircase in a housing complex and rests her left hand on the metal railing. She smiles slightly while looking directly at the camera.

Los Angeles County Is Testing AI's Ability To Prevent Homelessness

In order to prevent people from becoming homeless before it happens, Los Angeles County officials are using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to predict who in the county is most likely to lose their housing. They would then step in to help those people with their rent, utility bills, car payments and more so they don't become unhoused.
blue themed graphic including electric vehicles are charging stations, wind turbines and trees, 2023 in reference to year

A Look Back at Climate Solutions In 2023

The U.S. may have a long way to go in its decarbonization goals, but these stories show signs of progress in climate solutions.