History didn’t just happen — they launched it. When I think about the story of space, I don’t just mean rockets or astronauts with movie-star smiles. I’m talking about the women who changed every single rule of the game, often while being told they didn’t even belong.
These ladies weren’t just in the room — they made sure there was a seat at the table for the next girl who wanted to touch the stars. It’s wild how many times Black women have been the ones quietly holding the universe together, all while fighting for a shot at the spotlight.
Space history is full of drama, brilliance, and grit, and Black women have been right there, leaving their mark. So today, I’m spilling the tea on 16 Black women who truly shaped space exploration. Their stories? Let’s just say you’ll want to send this list to every girl who’s ever looked up at the night sky.
1. Mary Jackson: The Barrier Breaker with a Heart for Others
When the system said “no,” Mary Jackson asked, “Why not?” and then rewrote the rules. She literally went to court for the right to take engineering classes in a segregated school — and won. That’s the kind of energy I aspire to on a Monday morning.
Mary wasn’t just the first Black female engineer at NASA; she made it her mission to pull others up with her. She became a fierce mentor, making sure new faces didn’t have to fight the same battles alone.
From wind tunnels to boardrooms, Mary’s impact spanned generations. Her technical skills were legendary, but her fight for justice stuck with everyone even more. Thanks to her, “first” never meant “only.”
2. Dorothy Vaughan: The Quiet Commander of Calculations
Some people lead by shouting, others by showing up and getting things done. Dorothy Vaughan quietly ran the West Area Computing Unit, leading a squad of brilliant Black women mathematicians. She was NASA’s first Black supervisor — and made sure her team was ready for the computer age.
When early computers rolled in, Dorothy didn’t panic or play catch-up. She learned programming (FORTRAN, anyone?) and pulled her entire crew into the future. That’s the definition of showing up for your squad.
Her leadership made history, but her loyalty changed lives. The women she mentored weren’t just numbers on a payroll; they were trailblazers, inspired by her calm confidence.
3. Annie Easley: The Rocket Code Queen
If you’ve ever thought computers are intimidating, Annie Easley would’ve just grinned and handed you a punch card. She started as a human computer, crunching numbers by hand, then became a software guru when machines took over.
Her work was crucial for the Centaur rocket stage, which helped launch satellites and planetary probes. She made math look like magic, blending hard science with a whole lot of style.
Annie didn’t just code — she opened doors for women and people of color, guiding them through the maze of NASA’s early tech boom. Her legacy? Turning obstacles into stepping stones, one algorithm at a time.
4. Dr. Mae Jemison: Space’s Multitalented Trailblazer
Mae Jemison didn’t just go to space — she brought every dreamer with her. As a doctor, engineer, and dancer, she proved you don’t have to choose just one path. 1992: She became the first Black woman to travel to space, and she did it with undeniable flair.
Mae’s curiosity didn’t end at the shuttle bay doors. She’s a fierce advocate for science education and spends her time making sure young people see themselves in STEM.
Her story is all about doing what’s never been done, then showing others how to do it, too. Did you know she even made a cameo on Star Trek? Truly out of this world.
5. Jeanette Epps: The Future’s Fearless Flyer
Jeanette Epps is that friend who never backs down from a challenge (or a zero-gravity somersault). With a PhD in aerospace engineering, she’s part genius, part thrill-seeker, and all grit. She’s been tapped for future missions that could make her the first Black woman on a long-duration International Space Station crew.
Epps isn’t just making history — she’s living it. Her research has already shaped NASA’s projects, and her tenacity keeps her pushing forward, even when plans change last-minute.
Watching her prep for space is like seeing someone lace up before the world’s biggest marathon: total focus, real nerves, and a spark that says, “I’m ready.” She’s all about breaking new ground, one giant leap at a time.
6. Stephanie D. Wilson: NASA’s Veteran Voyager
If reliability had a face at NASA, Stephanie D. Wilson would be the poster woman. She’s completed three spaceflights, spending over 42 days off-Earth, and each mission had her signature calm under pressure.
Wilson’s leadership skills light up a room — or in her case, Mission Control. Her colleagues rave that she’s the person you want next to you when things get real.
Growing up, she wanted to build things, but ended up helping launch dreams instead of just blueprints. A fun detail: she’s been in the running to be the first woman of color on the Moon! Now that’s next-level goals.
7. Dr. Yvonne Cagle: Medicine Meets Moonshot
How many people do you know who can fly a jet and treat a fever? Dr. Yvonne Cagle is that rare blend of physician, Air Force Colonel, and NASA astronaut. Her story proves you don’t have to pick between science or service — she’s done both at the highest level.
She’s helped shape NASA’s approach to astronaut health, making sure crews stay strong through the toughest conditions. Want to talk about multi-tasking? Yvonne’s your woman.
Her work bridges medicine and engineering, blending care with curiosity, and her mentorship lights a spark in everyone she meets. That’s the kind of inspiration you want on speed dial.
8. Dr. Sian Proctor: Pilot with a Poet’s Soul
Sian Proctor’s style? Flying spacecraft by day, inspiring people with her art and poetry by night. She became the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft in 2021 with the all-civilian Inspiration4 mission. That’s what I call leaving a mark.
A geoscientist, explorer, and educator, Sian brings creativity everywhere she goes. Her journey proves you can love both science and the arts without apology.
She’s a walking reminder that your dreams don’t have to fit in a box, and neither do you. Fun fact: she brought her poetry and paintings all the way to orbit!
9. Jessica Watkins: ISS Trailblazer with a Smile
Jessica Watkins has a smile that could light up a press room — and the brains to back it up. She became the first Black woman to serve on a long-duration crew aboard the International Space Station in 2022.
Watkins studied rocks on Mars before she ever floated in zero gravity, and her curiosity has made her a go-to for space geology. Her story reminds us you can start with dirt under your nails and end up floating in orbit.
She’s all about making room for more voices and isn’t shy about what she stands for. Jessica shows us that persistence and joy make a pretty unbeatable combo.
10. Aprille Ericsson: Engineer, Inventor, Inspiration
Aprille Ericsson could practically write the book on how to shatter ceilings. She was the first Black woman to get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Howard University and also at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
Aprille’s fingerprints are on everything from spacecraft to satellites, and her passion for mentoring future engineers keeps her legacy growing. She’s the kind of role model you wish you had in your science class.
Her story proves that persistence pays off. One of her favorite quotes? “If not you, then who?” That’s a mantra worth stealing.
11. Aisha Bowe: Rocket Scientist and Entrepreneur
Aisha Bowe’s energy is pure ambition with a dash of disruptor. She started out as an aerospace engineer and then founded her own tech company, showing that you don’t have to stay in your lane.
In 2025, she’s set to become the first Black woman to travel with Blue Origin, taking “reach for the stars” literally. She spends as much time inspiring young people as she does designing for the stratosphere.
Her journey is all about rewriting what’s possible, and she’s proof that a little courage can take you further than you ever planned. Fact: her favorite phrase is, “Why not me?”
12. Dr. Christine Darden: Sonic Boom Trailblazer
Christine Darden isn’t just a problem solver — she’s a barrier breaker. Her early work on sonic boom research at NASA changed how we think about flight. She quietly rose through the ranks to lead major engineering projects.
Christine’s dedication to mastering the math behind supersonic travel turned her into one of NASA’s top scientists. She’s not flashy, but her results speak louder than words.
Her colleagues describe her as determined and always thinking two steps ahead. And yes, she’s another of the real “Hidden Figures” who finally got her due.
13. Joan Higginbotham: The Launch Pad Legend
Joan Higginbotham is proof that working behind the scenes can lead you straight to the stars. Before becoming the third Black woman in space, she worked on over 50 shuttle launches as an engineer at Kennedy Space Center.
Her attention to detail and can-do spirit made her a standout, and when she finally launched aboard Discovery in 2006, she brought her entire support crew’s dreams with her.
Joan’s advice? Never underestimate the power of preparation — you never know when your big moment will come. Her journey is a masterclass in patience and passion.
14. Dr. Moogega Cooper: Mars Defender with Sci-Fi Flair
Moogega Cooper is the guardian of Mars — literally. As a planetary protection engineer, she helped keep the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover clean so we could search for life without contaminating the planet.
Her style is pure science fiction fun, but her skills are as real as they come. Moogega is a champion for diversity in STEM and even pops up on science shows like Bill Nye Saves the World.
She brings a mix of rigor and playfulness to her work, reminding us that science can be both serious and joyful. She’s got a knack for making the impossible just another project.
15. Patricia Cowings: Motion Sickness Buster
Patricia Cowings turned nausea into a science — and astronauts are forever grateful. She developed techniques to help space travelers control motion sickness, a real game-changer for long missions.
Patricia didn’t stop there: she was the first Black woman scientist to be trained as an astronaut candidate. Her determination to solve annoying (and sometimes dangerous) problems shaped astronaut training for decades.
Her dedication speaks to anyone who’s ever had to fight for respect in their field. Patricia’s work is a reminder that every detail matters, even the ones that make your stomach flip.
16. Dr. Camille Alleyne: The Global STEM Advocate
“From Port of Spain to NASA mission control, Dr. Camille Alleyne’s path stirs admiration. Her engineering expertise contributed to crucial International Space Station missions, making her a force in orbital research and operations.
She’s not just a trailblazer for herself—she actively mentors the next generation, especially girls in developing countries. Her witty storytelling brings science to life and motivates young minds to reach higher.
Did you know? Dr. Alleyne co-founded The Brightest Stars Foundation—empowering young women globally to pursue STEM fields. Her impact leaves footprints in both space and classrooms worldwide.”