A US astronaut has become the first Native American woman in space after a NASA launch on Wednesday. Marine Colonel Nicole Mann, a 45-year-old astronaut, is one of the four astronauts that launched from Florida at noon on their trip to the International Space Station (ISS). The SpaceX Falcon rocket launched them on a course to catch the orbiting outpost in about 29 hours.
“The mission would serve as an inspiration for upcoming Native American generations”: Col. Mann
Col. Mann told the BBC that she hopes the mission will serve as a model for future Native American generations. Young Native American children will be “inspired to follow their aspirations and realize that some of those obstacles that are there or have been there are being knocked down” by this.
Colonel Mann, a US Marine Corps pilot with Wailacki Indian Tribe registration, has extensive experience flying a wide range of aircraft. She has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan and has been awarded six medals for her efforts.
Social prejudice makes it difficult for tribes to prosper economically
Tribes have long complained about social prejudice, which has led to economic hardships. According to the US National Center for Education Statistics, only 27% of Native Americans received an associate’s degree or higher in 2017, compared to 54% of white students.
According to Col. Mann, the team will conduct approximately 250 scientific experiments while aboard the ISS. These include tomato planting, assisting in the 3D printing of human cells, and possibly going on space missions.
Despite being only allowed to bring a small number of personal belongings, such as her wedding ring and pictures, Col. Mann told the BBC that she planned to bring a memento of her family’s Native American ancestry.