For the first time in history, a Native American woman has launched into space as a member of a NASA mission.
Petaluma-born Marine Col. Nicole Mann, a member of the Wailacki of the Round Valley Indian Tribes, made history when her rocket lifted off on their Hurricane Ian delayed mission to the International Space Station.
"I am very proud to represent Native Americans and my heritage," Mann said before the flight, adding that everyone on her crew has a unique background."It's important to celebrate our diversity and also realize how important it is when we collaborate and unite, the incredible accomplishments that we can have."
They're due to arrive at the space station Thursday, 29 hours after a noon departure from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, and won't be back on Earth until March. They're replacing a U.S.-Italian crew that arrived in April. Shortly before liftoff, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that the key reason for the seat exchange is safety — in case an emergency forces one capsule's crew home, there would still be an American and Russian on board.
Kakina is only the fifth Russian woman to rocket off the planet. She said she was surprised to be selected for the seat swap after encountering"many tests and obstacles" during her decade of training."But I did it. I'm lucky maybe. I'm strong," she said.
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