Ochoa, Ellen (1958–)

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Ochoa, Ellen (1958–)

American astronaut. Pronunciation: O-cho-AH. Born Ellen Lauri Ochoa, May 10, 1958, at Los Angeles, California; dau. of Joseph L. Ochoa and Rosanne Ochoa; San Diego State University, BS, 1980, Stanford University, MS, 1980, PhD, 1985; m. Coe Fulmer Miles.

The 1st female Hispanic astronaut, was an optical researcher (1985–90); was selected by NASA (1990); flew mission (1993), retrieving a solar observation satellite and studying the Earth's atmosphere; served as payload commmander on 2nd flight (1994); logged more than 484 hours in space. Won Hispanic Engineering National Achievement Award (1989).

See also Women in World History.