Decorated NASA astronaut Mary Cleave, who was the first woman space crew to fly in space after the Challenger explosion, sadly died at 76.
Her passing was confirmed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on Wednesday, Nov. 29. The international space union said that Cleave died on Monday, Nov. 27.
However, NASA officials didn't provide the main cause of her death. And doesn't show a sign that it will provide more information within the following days.
RIP Decorated NASA Astronaut Mary Cleave
Before she died, NASA astronaut Mary Cleave was the first woman to serve as an associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate.
Aside from this, she also became the first woman to crew a space flight after the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion, which shocked the world in 1986; killing all seven crew members.
NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana said that he was surprised and saddened by the passing of Mary Cleave.
"I'm sad we've lost trail blazer Dr. Mary Cleave, shuttle astronaut, veteran of two spaceflights, and first woman to lead the Science Mission Directorate as associate administrator," said the official via NASA's official website.
"Mary was a force of nature with a passion for science, exploration, and caring for our home planet. She will be missed," he added.
According to Fox News' latest report, Mary Cleave received numerous awards for her contributions to the space industry, such as the following:
- Two NASA Space Flight medals
- Two NASA Exceptional Service medals
- American Astronautical Society Flight Achievement Award
- NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal
- NASA Engineer of the Year
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Remembering Mary Cleave
Mary Cleave was born in Southhampton, New York. She graduated from Colorado State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences.
Aside from this, the also studied at the Utah State University and acquired a Master of Science in microbial ecology, as well as a doctorate in civil and environmental engineering.
After that, she began her journey to becoming a NASA astronaut and official:
- 1980: Mary Cleave was selected as a NASA astronaut. She was assigned to flight software verification in the SAIL spacecraft communicator.
- 1985: She launched the STS-61B, her first mission, aboard the space shuttle Atlantis.
- 1989: Mary Cleave launched her second mission called STS-30 via the Atlantis space shuttle.
- 1991: The decorated NASA astronaut was transferred from the Johnson Space Center in Houston to Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.
- 2000: She became the deputy associate administrator for advanced planning at NASA Washington headquarters' Office of Earth Science.
- 2005-2007: Mary Cleave became the NASA Science Mission Directorate associate administrator.
