
Ellen Ochoa made history as the first-ever Latina in space in 1993, and now she’s en route to the Astronaut Hall of Fame this May.
The Chicana joined NASA as a research engineer in 1988 before shattering the glass ceiling, which she continues to do today. According to Latina, she is the first Latina and second woman to serve as the director of the Johnson Space Center.
“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 of her forthcoming induction. “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.”
It’s a special honor to be recognized by fellow astronauts. Congrats to my STS-56 crew mate Mike Foale too! https://t.co/a5M89eV3ci
— Ellen Ochoa (@Astro_Ellen) February 14, 2017
Congratulations to the pioneer!