Ellen Ochoa Biography

Quick Facts

NAME: Ellen Ochoa
OCCUPATION: Astronaut, Engineer, Musician
BIRTH DATE: May 10, 1958 (Age: 53)
EDUCATION: Grossmont High School, San Diego State University, Stanford University
PLACE OF BIRTH: Los Angeles, California

ZODIAC SIGN: Taurus

more about Ellen

Best Known For

Selected by NASA in 1990, Ellen Ochoa became the world's first Hispanic female astronaut in 1991.

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Ellen Ochoa

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Synopsis

Born May 10, 1958 in Los Angeles, California, Ellen Ochoa received her master of science and doctorate degrees at Stanford University. She was selected by NASA in 1990 and in 1991 became the world's first Hispanic female astronaut. A mission specialist and flight engineer, Ochoa is a veteran of four space flights, logging more than 950 hours in space. She lives in Texas with her family.

Profile

Astronaut. Born May 10, 1958 in Los Angeles, California. Selected by NASA in 1990, Ochoa became the world's first Hispanic female astronaut in 1991. She graduated from Grossmont High School in La Mesa, California, in 1975 and received a bachelor of science degree in physics from San Diego State University in 1980. She then went on to attend Stanford University, where she received a master of science degree and doctorate in electrical engineering.

A mission specialist and flight engineer, Ochoa is a veteran of four space flights, logging more than 950 hours in space. Her technical assignments have included flight software and computer hardware development and robotics development, testing, and training. She has served as Assistant for Space Station to the Chief of the Astronaut Office, lead spacecraft communicator in Mission Control and Acting Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office. She currently serves as Director of Flight Crew Operations at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Ochoa's numerous awards include NASA's Exceptional Service Medal (1997), Outstanding Leadership Medal (1995) and Space Flight Medals (2002, 1999, 1994, 1993). Besides being an astronaut, researcher, and engineer, Ochoa is a classical flutist. She lives in Texas with her husband, Coe Fulmer Miles, and their two children.