On October 5, 2022, Nicole Aunapu Mann rode the SpaceX Dragon Endurance space shuttle and became the first Native American woman to reach space. For 157 days, Mann lived and worked on the International Space Station.
Growing up, Mann never imagined she would become an astronaut. As a member of the Wailacki of the Round Valley, she did not have many examples of Indigenous people becoming astronauts. But her parents taught her the importance of hard work and curiosity. Mann’s curiosity led her to a love of science and flying. She worked hard at everything from playing soccer to studying engineering and test flying airplanes for the US Marine Corps. When she joined NASA, she dedicated herself to her astronaut training. Now she helps train new astronauts and inspires Indigenous children around the world to work hard to reach their dreams. From soccer star to astronaut, launch into the career of Nicole Aunapu Mann.