Mae Jemison and the Endeavour Mission

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What significant milestone did Mae Jemison achieve in her career?

She was the first person to travel to Mars.

She was the first female astronaut in space.

She became a doctor before becoming an astronaut.

She was the first African-American woman in space. (correct)

What kind of support did Mae Jemison receive from her parents?

They pushed her to become a nurse.

They provided financial and emotional support for her interests. (correct)

They wanted her to focus solely on dance and art.

They discouraged her from pursuing science.

How did Mae Jemison react to her kindergarten teacher's suggestion about her career?

She ignored the teacher and focused on math instead.

She accepted the suggestion and aimed to be a nurse.

She was discouraged and changed her ambitions.

She was determined to pursue her dream of becoming a scientist. (correct)

What notable experiences did Mae Jemison have before her flight into space?

She traveled to various countries providing medical care. Signup and view all the answers

What was Mae Jemison's primary goal during her education and training?

To become a scientist and an astronaut. Signup and view all the answers

What organization did Mae Jemison decide to join after establishing her career as a doctor?

Peace Corps Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the societal view of women and African-Americans in science during Mae’s childhood?

Few people believed a little black girl could grow up to be a scientist. Signup and view all the answers

What emotional response did Mae Jemison have upon reaching space?

Excitement and happiness. Signup and view all the answers

What was Mae Jemison's role during her time as an astronaut?

To perform scientific experiments in space Signup and view all the answers

What technique did Mae Jemison use to investigate space motion sickness?

Biofeedback techniques Signup and view all the answers

Which organization is responsible for U.S. space exploration that accepted Mae into its astronaut program?

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Signup and view all the answers

How many applicants were there for the astronaut program Mae Jemison applied to?

2,000 Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Mae Jemison's space mission on September 12, 1992?

It represented the first time an African-American woman traveled into space Signup and view all the answers

What primary responsibility did Mae describe for mission specialist astronauts?

To perform experiments and conduct space walks Signup and view all the answers

What kind of monitoring equipment did Mae use during her experiment?

Heart rate and temperature monitors Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the common experiences among astronauts during their initial days in space?

Experiencing space motion sickness Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Endeavour's Historic Launch

Endeavour launched on September 12, 1992, from Kennedy Space Center.
Astronaut Mae Jemison became the first African-American woman in space.

Mae Jemison's Journey

Mae's dream of space travel was achieved after years of dedication and training.
Her supportive parents, Charlie and Dorothy Jemison, encouraged her various interests, including science and the arts.
Faced skepticism early in her life, such as being told by her kindergarten teacher that she should aim to be a nurse instead of a scientist.

Education and Career Path

Despite societal limitations, Mae excelled in science, spending significant time at the library exploring her interests.
Attended college and medical school, gaining international experience in medical care in rural Kenya and a Cambodian refugee camp.
Joined the Peace Corps, serving as a Medical Officer in Sierra Leone and Liberia for over two years.

NASA and Astronaut Training

Accepted into NASA's astronaut program in June 1987, chosen from nearly 2,000 applicants as one of 15.
Completed astronaut training, ultimately becoming a mission specialist responsible for conducting experiments and spacewalks.

Contribution to Space Science

Endeavour's mission focused on scientific research, with Mae conducting key experiments.
Investigated methods to control space motion sickness, an issue affecting half of astronauts in the early days of space travel.
Employed biofeedback techniques, utilizing meditation and relaxation to manage physiological responses in space.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the historic journey of Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in space, aboard the Endeavour spacecraft. This quiz delves into her achievements, the significance of her mission on September 12, 1992, and the impact of her contributions to space exploration.