Ellen Ochoa

Ellen Ochoa became the first Latina to go to space in 1993, and has since logged over 40 days offworld.
Before this, Ochoa worked as a researcher at NASA’s Ames Research Center (the same research center Aisha Bowe would come to work at), investigating optical systems and patenting one of her own.
Now, in addition to overseeing similar space missions, Ochoa leads a NASA research team to develop an independent, adaptable, and continuous artificial intelligence, one that can effectively replace humans in space, so as to eliminate human error and the lofty costs and dangers of manned missions.

More on Ochoa:
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Biography
NASA