Born: September 27, 1966 (Boston, Massachusetts)
Biography:
Stephanie Diana Wilson is an American engineer and NASA astronaut. She has made significant contributions to space exploration, having flown on three Space Shuttle missions. Wilson’s achievements have not only broken gender barriers but have also inspired a new generation of women to pursue careers in STEM fields. She is the second African American woman to venture into space, following in the footsteps of Mae Jemison.
Born on September 27, 1966, in Boston, Massachusetts, Stephanie Wilson moved to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, with her parents, Eugene and Barbara Wilson, when she was just a year old. Eugene, originally from Nesmith, South Carolina, utilized his electronics training from his time in the Navy to establish a successful career in electrical engineering. Barbara, hailing from Talbot County, Georgia, worked as a production assistant for Lockheed Martin. Growing up in a supportive environment, Wilson was encouraged to explore her interests and pursue her dreams.
Wilson’s fascination with the endless possibilities of space began during her middle school years. As part of a career awareness class, she had the opportunity to interview Williams College astronomer Jay Pasachoff, further igniting her passion for space exploration. Encouraged by her father, who recognized her aptitude for engineering, Wilson decided to specialize in aerospace engineering.
Completing her early education at Stearns Elementary School and Crosby Junior High School, Wilson graduated from Taconic High School in 1984. Eager to broaden her horizons, she enrolled at Harvard University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering science in 1988. With a thirst for knowledge, Wilson pursued higher education and obtained a Master of Science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas in 1992.
Wilson’s career in engineering took off when she joined the former Martin Marietta Astronautics Group in Denver, Colorado. As a Loads and Dynamics engineer for the Titan IV rocket, she played a crucial role in analyzing the launch vehicle’s structural integrity and performance during flight events. In her two years at Martin Marietta, Wilson gained invaluable experience in the field of aerospace engineering.
Fueling her ambition, Wilson enrolled at the University of Texas to pursue a graduate degree. Her research primarily focused on the control and modeling of large, flexible space structures. Determined to make a tangible impact in the field, Wilson’s expertise and dedication earned her a position at the prestigious Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, in 1992.
At JPL, Wilson became a vital member of the Galileo spacecraft’s Attitude and Articulation Control Subsystem. Her responsibilities included evaluating the performance of attitude controllers, ensuring accurate pointing of science platforms and antennas, and maintaining the spacecraft’s stability. Wilson’s contributions extended to sequence development and testing, showcasing her versatility and proficiency in various aspects of space exploration.
Wilson’s groundbreaking achievements eventually led her to NASA’s Astronaut Corps in 1996. Selected as an astronaut candidate, she underwent rigorous training and preparation for her first flight into space. Wilson made her space debut on April 19, 2006, as a mission specialist on Space Shuttle Discovery’s STS-121 mission. This historic mission marked the second return-to-flight space shuttle mission following the Columbia disaster.
Building on her success, Wilson embarked on her second mission in October 2007 as part of the STS-120 crew. This mission was dedicated to expanding the International Space Station’s capabilities by delivering the Harmony module, a vital component for future assembly missions. Wilson and her crewmates successfully installed the module, contributing to the ongoing efforts of international collaboration in space exploration.
In April 2010, Wilson boarded Space Shuttle Discovery for her final mission, STS-131. This mission played a crucial role in delivering supplies, equipment, and experiments to the International Space Station. Wilson’s contributions extended beyond the boundaries of Earth, as she conducted important scientific research that would further mankind’s understanding of the universe.
Throughout her career, Stephanie Wilson has shown immense dedication, resilience, and passion for pushing the boundaries of human exploration. Her achievements have not only made a lasting impact on space exploration but have also paved the way for future generations of women in STEM fields. By breaking through barriers and inspiring others, Wilson has solidified her place in history as an influential figure in women’s history and space exploration.
Awards:
– NASA Space Flight Medal
– NASA Distinguished Service Medal
– Harvard University Medal for Outstanding Service