Commanding the SpaceX Crew-5 mission in October 2022, Nicole Mann became the first Native American woman to fly in space. Her journey from the soccer fields of the United States Naval Academy to the International Space Station represents a career trajectory defined by high-performance engineering and combat aviation experience across multiple theaters of operation.
Academic and Athletic Foundations
Born in Petaluma, California, in 1977, Mann attended Rancho Cotate High School before entering the United States Naval Academy. She graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. During her time in Annapolis, she competed for the Navy Midshipmen women's soccer team, appearing in 75 matches as a defender. She later earned a Master of Science in mechanical engineering at Stanford University, focusing her research on fluid mechanics.
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Following her commission in the United States Marine Corps, Mann underwent flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola. She received her aviator wings in 2002 and qualified in the F/A-18 Hornet. Operating under the call sign "Duke," she completed 47 combat missions across Iraq and Afghanistan. Her military record includes deployments on the USS Enterprise with CVW-1. She later graduated from the United States Naval Test Pilot School as an Honor Graduate and served as an F/A-18 test pilot at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
Space Exploration Career
NASA selected Mann for Astronaut Group 21 in 2013. After completing training in 2015, she worked on the development of the Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System. Initially assigned to the Boeing CST-100 Starliner, she moved to the SpaceX Crew-5 mission, becoming the first female commander of a commercial crew launch. During her tenure on the International Space Station, she conducted a spacewalk on January 20, 2023, alongside Koichi Wakata. Mann currently remains in training for the Artemis program, with potential involvement in future crewed lunar landings.
Fast facts
- Born: 1977, Petaluma
- Military Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
- Education: United States Naval Academy (1999), Stanford University (2001)
- NASA Astronaut Class: Group 21 (2013)
- Spaceflight Debut: October 2022
- Spacewalk Date: January 20, 2023
- Awards: Iraq Campaign Medal, Air Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Questions readers ask
What is Nicole Mann's tribal affiliation?
She is an enrolled member of the Round Valley Indian Tribes, of Wailaki heritage.
Has she been to the Moon?
Not yet, though she is in training for the Artemis program and is a contender for future crewed lunar missions.
Achievements
- Educated at Stanford University, United States Naval Test Pilot School and United States Naval Academy
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and association football player
