Born: 1977 (Penngrove, California)
Biography:
Nicole Duke Victoria Aunapu Mann was born on June 27, 1977, in Penngrove, California. She was raised by her parents, Howard and Victoria Aunapu, and grew up embracing her Wailaki heritage as an enrolled member of the Round Valley Indian Tribes. Her grandfather, Helmuth Aunapu, emigrated from Estonia in the 1920s and later served as an engineer in the US armed forces.
Mann’s journey towards becoming an accomplished astronaut began with her education. In 1995, she graduated from Rancho Cotate High School in Rohnert Park, California, before attending the prestigious US Naval Academy. In 1999, Mann earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the academy. During her time at the Naval Academy, she also showcased her athleticism by playing as a defender for the Navy Midshipmen women’s soccer team, contributing one goal and four assists in 75 appearances.
After commissioning in the US Marine Corps, Mann pursued further education at Stanford University, where she obtained a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering, specializing in fluid mechanics. Her academic achievements laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors in the aerospace industry.
Mann’s military career took flight after she completed flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola and earned her Naval Aviator wings in 2002. She then underwent training for the F/A-18 Hornet at VFA-106, located at Naval Air Station Oceana. Joining VMFA-251 at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Mann displayed her dedication and fearlessness by deploying twice on the USS Enterprise with CVW-1 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Continuing to challenge herself and expand her skill set, Mann entered Class 135 at the US Naval Test Pilot School. She served as an F/A-18 Test Pilot in VX-23 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, where she pushed boundaries and paved the way for future pilots.
In 2013, Mann’s determination and pursuit of excellence led her to be selected as one of the eight members of NASA Astronaut Group 21. Her selection marked a significant milestone in her career as she transitioned into the realm of space exploration. Mann underwent rigorous astronaut training, building upon her previous experiences, and successfully completed the program in 2015.
With her training complete, Mann began her journey as a NASA astronaut. The highlight of her career arrived in August 2018 when she was assigned to Boe-CFT, the first crewed test flight of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner. However, she was subsequently reassigned to the SpaceX Crew-5, making history as the first female commander of a NASA Commercial Crew Program launch.
On October 2022, Mann embarked on her first spaceflight, soaring beyond the earthly confines and etching her name in history as the first Native American woman in space. Her achievements broke barriers and inspired countless individuals.
Mann’s time in space lasted for months, allowing her to contribute significantly to scientific research and further explore the mysteries of the universe. On January 20, 2023, she achieved yet another groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first Native American woman to venture outside the confines of her spacecraft during a spacewalk. The spacewalk, conducted alongside Koichi Wakata, demonstrated her proficiency and resilience in the face of challenges.
Throughout her life, Nicole Aunapu Mann has exemplified determination, perseverance, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of human exploration. Her accomplishments as a test pilot, astronaut, and pioneer have left an indelible mark on society. By shattering the glass ceiling, she has paved the way for future generations of women to pursue their dreams and reach for the stars.
Awards:
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