Nicole Aunapu Mann has waited nine long years for her chance to go into space.
And if all goes according to plan, that wait will end on Oct. 03, when she will lead NASA's Crew-5 mission to the International Space Station.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comMann will be the first Native American woman in space. The first Native American man in space was John Herrington in 2002.
Mann, a member of the Wailacki of the Round Valley Indian Tribes in Northern California, says that her upcoming mission has sparked excitement in her community. With her journey into space just weeks away, Mann says she will be taking a few mementos into orbit to remind her of home, among them a 'dreamcatcher,' a traditional Native American protective charm.
The former fighter pilot who flew U.S. combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan now heads up an international crew that includes fellow NASA astronaut Josh Cassada, Japan's Koichi Wakata and Russian cosmonaut Anna Kikina.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Fans Are Losing It Over Nicole Kidman’s Toned Abs in New Magazine CoverNicole Kidman, 55, Looks Incredibly Strong in New Magazine Cover Shoot
Read more »
New Anchor Alert! Nicole Beharie Joins 'The Morning Show' Season 3Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston's portrayals of fierce news anchors keep 'The Morning Show' fans wanting more — what to know about season 3
Read more »
Zoey 101's Alexa Nikolas Protests 'Traumatic, Unsafe' Nickelodeon EnvironmentAlexa Nikolas starred as Nicole Bristow on Nickelodeon’s ‘Zoey 101’ series during its first two seasons — read more
Read more »
Meet the Sleepy Hollow Alum Joining The Morning Show Season 3 - E! OnlineThe Morning Show season three just got another new face: Sleepy Hollow star Nicole Beharie. She joins previously-announced new additions Jon Hamm and Julianna Margulies.
Read more »
Is It Just Me, Or Are Your Late 30s Really Weird?'I am not a new mom, but I am not totally seasoned either.'
Read more »