Born: 1947 (Southampton, New York)
Mary Louise Cleave is an American engineer and former NASA astronaut. Born on February 5, 1947, in Southampton, New York, she grew up in Great Neck, New York, with her parents, Howard and Barbara Cleave, who were both teachers. Cleave has two sisters, Trudy Carter and Barbara Bobbie Cleave Bosworth.
Cleave’s pursuit of knowledge and education began at Great Neck North High School, where she graduated in 1965. She then went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Colorado State University in 1969. Continuing her academic journey, Cleave earned a master’s degree in Microbial Ecology from Utah State University in 1975. Inspired to further her scientific expertise, she obtained her doctorate in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Utah State University in 1979.
After completing her education, Cleave embarked on an academic career. From September 1971 to June 1980, she held various research positions at the Ecology Center and the Utah Water Research Laboratory at Utah State University. Her research focused on diverse topics, including the productivity of algal components in cold desert soil crusts, the effects of increased salinity and oil shale leachates on freshwater phytoplankton productivity, and the development of assessment documents and computer programs for surface impoundments.
Cleave’s dedication to scientific exploration and her exceptional abilities led her to be selected as an astronaut by NASA in May 1980. Throughout her career with NASA, Cleave worked on several technical assignments that showcased her skills and expertise. These assignments included flight software verification in the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory (SAIL), serving as the CAPCOM (Capsule Communicator) on five Space Shuttle flights, contributing to the Malfunctions Procedures Book, and playing a role in Crew Equipment Design.
Cleave’s contributions to space exploration go beyond her technical assignments. She had the opportunity to embark on two space flights during her career. In November 1985, she served as a mission specialist on STS-61-B. This mission, aboard the Atlantis Space Shuttle, lasted from November 26 to December 3, 1985. Cleave’s second mission, STS-30, took place in May 1989. On this mission, she continued to showcase her expertise and commitment to scientific exploration.
After leaving the Johnson Space Center in May 1991, Cleave joined NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. In this new role, she worked in the Laboratory for Hydrospheric Processes as the Project Manager for SeaWiFS (Sea-viewing, Wide-Field-of-view Sensor). SeaWiFS is an ocean color sensor that monitors vegetation globally. Cleave’s work in this position was crucial to advancing our understanding of Earth’s ecosystems and the impact of human activities on the planet.
Cleave’s contributions to NASA extend beyond her work as an astronaut and Project Manager for SeaWiFS. From 2005 to 2007, she served as the NASA Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate. In this role, she played a crucial part in shaping the scientific programs and missions of NASA. Cleave’s leadership and dedication to advancing scientific knowledge have left a lasting impact on the field of space exploration.
Throughout her career, Mary L. Cleave has been recognized for her exceptional contributions and achievements. While no specific awards or recognitions are mentioned in the available information, her extensive body of work and commitment to furthering scientific knowledge make her a highly esteemed figure in the field of space exploration and engineering.
Mary L. Cleave’s passion for scientific exploration, coupled with her exceptional skills and dedication, have solidified her place in history as a prominent figure in the field of space exploration. Her achievements continue to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers, and her contributions to women’s history and breaking gender barriers in the field highlight the impact of her work. Mary L. Cleave’s legacy serves as a testament to the limitless possibilities that can be achieved through dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to scientific discovery.