15 Interesting Facts About Ellen Ochoa

Introduction:

Ellen Ochoa is an American engineer and astronaut who made history as the first Hispanic woman to travel in space. Here, we explore 15 interesting facts about the pioneering scientist and astronaut’s life, achievements and accomplishments. From her role in growing Space Shuttle launches to her work with NASA’s Deep Space Network, read on to learn more about Ellen Ochoa.

Fact 1: Ellen Ochoa Earned a Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University

Ellen Ochoa graduated with a Bachelor of Science from San Diego State University. She then went on to achieve a Master’s Degree and a Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. Her research at Stanford focused on optics systems and she completed her doctoral thesis in 1985.

Fact 2: Ellen Ochoa Joined the Johnson Space Center in 1988

After completing her doctorate, Ochoa joined the Johnson Space Center. During her time in space, Ochoa helped grow the Space Shuttle launches from 6 to 9 astronauts and, with her 22 years of active duty, set a new record for an astronaut’s time in space.

Fact 3: Ellen Ochoa Was the First Hispanic Woman to Travel in Space

In 1993, Ochoa journeyed to space aboard the Discovery space shuttle. During the mission, she served as a Mission Specialist. With this flight, she became the first Hispanic woman to travel in space.

Fact 4: Ochoa Has Spent Almost 1,000 Hours in Space

Ochoa has completed four missions aboard various space shuttles. In total, she has spent more than 1,000 hours in space.

Fact 5: Ochoa Worked as a System Engineer and Research Engineer

Before becoming an astronaut, Ochoa dedicated her life to her career in engineering. Throughout her career, she has worked in various engineering roles, such as a system engineer, a research engineer, and a professor.

Fact 6: Ochoa Served as NASA’s Deputy Director

Ochoa became NASA’s 11th Deputy Director upon her appointment in 2007. She held this role for 4 years, after which she was named Director for Flight Crew Operations at the Johnson Space Center.

Fact 7: Ellen Ochoa Designed the System for the Deep Space Network

Ochoa designed the system for the Deep Space Network, a network of communication networks used to track and monitor interplanetary explorations.

Fact 8: Ochoa Became the First Director of Flight Crew Operations for Computer Engineering

Ochoa became NASA’s first Director of Flight Crew Operations with a Computer Engineering background.

Fact 9: Ochoa Was Awarded the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal

In 1994, Ochoa was awarded the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal for her outstanding performance in integrating advanced technology into the Shuttle Program.

Fact 10: Ochoa Has Received Multiple Honorary Doctorate Degrees

Ochoa has earned multiple honorary doctorate degrees – including doctorates from the University of La Rioja, in Spain, and from the National University of Aerospace Investigation in Colombia.

Fact 11: She Has Authored over 100 Technical Publications

Ochoa is recognized for her expertise in optical systems. Over the course of her career, Ochoa has authored over 100 technical publications and submitted 10 patents.

Fact 12: Ochoa Was Awarded the NCAA’s Theodore Roosevelt Award

In 2006, Ochoa was presented with the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Theodore Roosevelt Award. This prestigious award is given to an individual who demonstrates “outstanding character and leadership, and abides by the core values of loyalty, duty, respect, integrity, and excellence in their efforts for sport.”

Fact 13: Ellen Ochoa Is a Fellow of the Society of Women Engineers

Ochoa was elected a Fellow of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). The SWE is an organization dedicated to improving the visibility and impact of women engineers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Fact 14: Ochoa Has Hosted Numerous STEM Related Programs

Ochoa is an advocate for STEM Education. Over the years, she has hosted numerous programs to inspire young minds in the fields of science and engineering.

Fact 15: She is the Founding Director of the OCIOSA Foundation

Ellen Ochoa is the Founding Director of the OCIOSA Foundation. The OCIOSA Foundation provides educational scholarships to bright and dedicated female technology and engineering students.

Conclusion

Ellen Ochoa’s life is truly inspiring. She achieved many firsts over the course of her career, be it as the first Hispanic woman in space, or the first director of flight crew operations with a computer engineering background. Along with her achievements in space exploration, Ochoa has dedicated her time and resources to advocate for STEM education. Here, we explored 15 interesting facts about the inspiring astronaut and engineer; Ellen Ochoa.