Ellen Ochoa (Astronaut)

Ellen Ochoa is a pioneering American astronaut and engineer who became the first Latina woman to fly in space in 1993. She holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering and contributed significantly to optical systems used in space instruments. Ochoa worked at NASA, where she participated in four space shuttle missions, helping to implement advanced technology for space exploration. Later, she served as the Director of the Johnson Space Center, leading NASA's human spaceflight efforts. Her accomplishments have broken barriers for women and minorities in STEM fields, inspiring many and advancing our understanding of space technology and exploration.