Mary Ellen Weber facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Weber
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| Born |
Mary Ellen Weber
August 24, 1962 |
| Space career | |
| NASA astronaut | |
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Time in space
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18d 18h 30m |
| Selection | NASA Group 14 (1992) |
| Missions | STS-70 STS-101 |
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Mission insignia
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Mary Ellen Weber was born on August 24, 1962. She is an amazing American scientist, pilot, and a former NASA astronaut. She also works as a business leader.
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Mary Weber's Early Life and Learning
Mary Weber grew up in Bedford Heights, Ohio. She finished high school in 1980. She then went to Purdue University and earned a degree in chemical engineering in 1984. Later, she got her Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley in 1988. She also earned a business degree in 2002.
Before Becoming an Astronaut
Before joining NASA, Mary Weber worked as a chemical engineering intern. She helped explore how chemical reactions work with silicon. She also researched new ways to make computer chips. She even holds a patent for one of her inventions! She wrote nine scientific papers during this time.
Mary Weber's NASA Career
NASA chose Mary Weber to be an astronaut in 1992. She worked at NASA for ten years. She helped turn space technology into useful products for people on Earth. She also worked with the United States Congress. She helped explain NASA's work to lawmakers.
Mary Weber also helped plan how to use the International Space Station for research. She prepared space shuttle launches at the Kennedy Space Center. She also helped train astronauts for science experiments in space. She flew on two space missions: STS-70 and STS-101. She spent over 450 hours in space. She was one of the youngest people to fly in space. She received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal for her great work. She left NASA in December 2002.
Her Space Missions
Space Shuttle Discovery: STS-70
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Mary Weber was a mission specialist on the STS-70 crew. The Space Shuttle Discovery launched on July 13, 1995. The main goal was to put a very important NASA communications satellite into orbit. This satellite helps send information around the world.
Mary Weber helped deploy the satellite. She also did special experiments with colon cancer tissues. These experiments were a big step forward for biotechnology in space. She was ready to do a spacewalk if anything went wrong. She also helped with medical care for the crew. The STS-70 mission landed safely on July 22, 1995. The crew traveled 3.7 million miles in about 9 days.
Space Shuttle Atlantis: STS-101
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Mary Weber was also a mission specialist on the STS-101 crew. The Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on May 19, 2000. This mission was very important for building the International Space Station. The crew fixed and installed new parts for the Station. They worked both inside and outside the Station. They also boosted the Station to a safer orbit.
Mary Weber helped guide the shuttle during launch and landing. She used Atlantis's robotic arm to move spacewalking astronauts. She also managed moving over three thousand pounds of equipment. She even created new checklists for emergencies. The STS-101 mission landed on May 29, 2000. The crew traveled 4.1 million miles in about 10 days.
After NASA
Today, Mary Weber works as a consultant. She helps businesses with big projects. She also shares her experiences as a speaker. She has spoken to many different groups for over twenty years. Before this, she worked for nine years at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
Mary Weber's Personal Life
Mary Weber is married to Jerome Elkind. He is from Bayonne, New Jersey.
Mary Weber loves to skydive! She has done almost 6,000 skydives. She has won 13 medals at the U.S. National Skydiving Championships. In 2002, she helped set a world record. She was part of a freefall formation with 300 skydivers! She is also a pilot, a skier, and a scuba diver.
See also
In Spanish: Mary Ellen Weber para niños
