Ellen Ochoa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ellen Ochoa
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Ochoa in 2002
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| Born | May 10, 1958 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Space career | |
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Time in space
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41d 19h 35m |
| Selection | NASA Group 13 (1990) |
| Missions | STS-56 STS-66 STS-96 STS-110 |
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Mission insignia
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Ellen Ochoa, born on May 10, 1958, is an amazing American engineer and former astronaut. She made history in 1993 as the first Hispanic woman to travel to space. This happened during a nine-day mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. Later, she became the first Hispanic and second female director of the Johnson Space Center, a huge achievement! In 2024, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a very high honor, from President Joe Biden.
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Early Life and Education
Ellen Lauri Ochoa was born in Los Angeles, California, on May 10, 1958. She grew up in La Mesa, California, as the middle child of five. She graduated from Grossmont High School in El Cajon in 1975.
Ellen Ochoa loved physics, math, and engineering. She earned a bachelor's degree in physics from San Diego State University in 1980. After that, she went to Stanford University. There, she earned her master's degree in 1981 and her doctorate (PhD) in 1985.
Her Amazing Career
Research and Inventions
As a student at Stanford and later as a researcher, Ellen Ochoa studied optical systems. These systems help computers "see" and process information. She worked at Sandia National Laboratories and the NASA Ames Research Center. At NASA Ames, she led a team that worked on optical systems for space exploration.
She even helped invent things! Ochoa has three patents for her work. A patent means she helped create something new and unique. Her inventions include an optical system to find tiny flaws in patterns and a way to remove noise from images. Her work helped improve how computers could "see" and understand things.
Becoming a NASA Astronaut
Dr. Ochoa first applied to the NASA Astronaut program in 1985. She wasn't chosen that time, but she didn't give up! She kept her application updated and even got a pilot's license. This helped her gain more experience.
In January 1990, NASA selected her, and she officially became an astronaut in July 1991. As an astronaut, she worked on flight software, computer hardware, and robotics. She also helped manage the Astronaut Office.
Space Missions
Ellen Ochoa became the first Hispanic woman to go to space in 1993. She flew on the Space Shuttle Discovery for a nine-day mission. The mission's goal was to study Earth's ozone layer.
She is a veteran of four space flights! She has spent almost 1000 hours, or about 41 days, in space.
- Her first mission was STS-56 in 1993.
- She was the payload commander on STS-66.
- She was a mission specialist and flight engineer on STS-96 and STS-110 in 2002.
After her space flights, Ochoa became the Deputy Director of NASA's Johnson Space Center in 2007. On January 1, 2013, she made history again. She became the first Hispanic and second female director of the Johnson Space Center. This is a huge role, managing a major NASA facility!
Personal Life
Ellen Ochoa is married to Coe Miles, and they have two sons. She is also a talented classical flautist. She played the flute with the Stanford Symphony Orchestra and even won an award. She loved playing so much that she took her flute with her on her first mission to space!
Recognition and Awards
Many schools have been named in her honor, celebrating her achievements. These include:
- Ochoa Middle School in Pasco, Washington
- Ellen Ochoa Elementary School in Cudahy
- Ánimo Ellen Ochoa Charter Middle School in East Los Angeles
- Ellen Ochoa STEM Academy at Ben Milam Elementary School in Grand Prairie, Texas
- Ellen Ochoa Prep Academy in Pico Rivera, California
In 2002, a flag from Ochoa Middle School in Pasco, Washington, flew with her on the Space Shuttle Atlantis. She returned the flag to the school during its dedication ceremony.
Ellen Ochoa has received many important awards, including:
- NASA's Distinguished Service Medal (2015)
- Exceptional Service Medal (1997)
- Outstanding Leadership Medal (1995)
- Space Flight Medals for each of her missions.
In 2017, she was inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame. This is a very special honor for astronauts. She was also inducted into the International Air and Space Hall of Fame in 2018.
An animated version of Ellen Ochoa was featured in the children's TV show, Ready Jet Go! in 2019. This helped introduce her story to even younger audiences.
Ellen Ochoa's Inspiring Quotes
- "Education is what allows you to stand out."
- "Being involved in human space flight, it is an emotional endeavor. I think it brings in the highest highs and the lowest lows."
- "What everyone in the astronaut corps shares in common is not gender or ethnic background, but motivation, perseverance, and desire - the desire to participate in a voyage of discovery."
See also
In Spanish: Ellen Ochoa para niños
