‘Docking confirmed!’ Astronaut Jessica Watkins makes aerospace history

Astronaut Jessica Watkins makes history on Wednesday by becoming the first Black woman aboard the International Space Station on a long term mission. As a modern-day explorer and geologist, Watkins is only the fifth Black woman to travel to space, according to NASA. Watkins six month rotational mission with three ot

Jessica Watkins is a Colorado native and geologist. She was selected by NASA to join the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class and reported for duty in August. 

Astronaut Jessica Watkins makes history on Wednesday by becoming the first Black woman aboard the International Space Station on a long term mission. As a modern-day explorer and geologist, Watkins is only the fifth Black woman to travel to space, according to NASA. Watkins six month rotational mission with three other astronauts includes station maintenance, training, scientific research and more. Previously, Victor Glover, who was part of SpaceX's Crew-2 mission that launched in November 2020, became the first Black astronaut to join a station crew according to USA Today. In an interview with NPR, Watkins said, "I think it really is just a tribute to the legacy of the Black women astronauts that have come before me, as well as to the exciting future ahead." Watkins sees her mission as "an important milestone” for both the agency and the country. In an interview with the Associated Press, Watkins credits her supportive family and mentors, including Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space in 1992, for helping her achieve her dream.

Who Is Jessica Watkins?

Jessica Watkins is a Colorado native and geologist. She was selected by NASA to join the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class and reported for duty in August. 

Where did Jessica Watkins study? 

Jessica earned a Bachelor of Science in Geological and Environmental Sciences from Stanford University, and a Doctorate in Geology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Dr. Watkins conducted her graduate research on the emplacement mechanisms of large landslides on Mars and Earth.

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