Pioneering Astronaut Mary Cleave, Trailblazer on NASA's Space Shuttles, Passes Away at 76
Mary Cleave, the pioneering NASA astronaut, has passed away at 76 Known for her historic 1989 space shuttle mission, she was the first woman to fly after the Challenger disaster Her legacy in space exploration will forever inspire future generations
NASA announced on Wednesday that Mary Cleave, the first woman to fly on a space shuttle mission after the Challenger disaster in 1989, has passed away at the age of 76. The cause of death was not disclosed by the space agency.
"We are mourning the loss of trailblazer Dr. Mary Cleave, a distinguished shuttle astronaut and the first woman to lead the Science Mission Directorate as associate administrator," NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana stated. "Mary was driven by her passion for science, exploration, and the well-being of our planet. Her absence will be deeply felt."
A native of Great Neck, New York, Cleave, who passed away on Monday, held degrees in microbial ecology and environmental and civil engineering. She was chosen to join the NASA astronaut corps in 1980.
On October 25, 1965, astronaut Frank Borman, who served as the command pilot for the Gemini-7 spaceflight, is seen examining the Gemini-7 spacecraft during weight and balance tests. (Photo by: HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
HUM Images/Universal Images Group Editorial/Getty Images
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During her inaugural mission in 1985, Cleave made history as the 10th woman to journey into space aboard NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis. Her second flight, STS-30, took place in 1989 on the same shuttle after NASA had resumed all-male crews for three missions following the Challenger explosion. With a total of over 10 days spent in orbit, Cleave made significant contributions during her time in space.
In 2000, she relocated to Washington, DC to begin her work at NASAs headquarters. She made history by becoming the first woman to serve as the associate administrator for NASAs Science Mission Directorate, where she oversaw the space agencys research programs. After retiring from NASA in 2007, she focused on volunteer work and inspiring young women to pursue scientific careers, as noted on her bio on the Maryland government's website.
