Photo credits: The BET Network

Mae C. Jemison (pictured) is best known for becoming the first African-American woman to be admitted to NASA’s astronaut training program and to fly in space.

In recognition of these and other achievements, she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame on Oct. 6, 1993. Jemison, who is also a trained physician, initially wanted to pursue biomedical engineering. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Stanford University and a degree from the Cornell University Medical College.

She applied for the astronaut program in 1985 after serving as a general medicine practitioner and as a medical officer in the Peace Corps.

As a result of the Challenger Shuttle Disaster, she had to reapply for the program and in 1987 was one of 15 successful candidates in a field of 2,000. She made her historic flight on Sept. 12, 1992, returning to Earth on Sept. 20, after more than 190 hours in space.

Watch an educational black history video about Mae C. Jemison below.

Source: “This Day in Black History: Oct. 6, 1993” by J. Jones for the BET Network via BET.com (2013)