5 Chapter 5: Mae’s Return to California and Applies to NASA

In 1985, Mae Jemison returned to the United States after working as a doctor in Africa and Asia. She moved to Los Angeles, California. Los Angles is a vibrant and diverse city. In Los Angeles, Mae started working at a medical clinic at the California Rehabilitation Center. She cared for people who needed help to recover from injuries and illnesses. Her medical skills continued to grow, but she had a dream to become an astronaut.

By this time NASA was accepting new recruits into their space program. Mae knew this time was the right time so she decided to apply to become an astronaut with NASA. This was a big deal, and many people from all over the country also applied. Although many people applied, Mae believed in herself and her abilities.

Unfortunately, three months after Mae applied for NASA, on January 28, 1986 the space shuttle Challenger exploded during takeoff. All five people on board were killed. There was a great gloom in NASA and the nation because of the lost of life. NASA investigated what happened and why the shuttle exploded. They were determined to continue their space exploration and never forget the crew on the Challenger. Mae and 15 other candidates received the good new that they were accepted into the new space program on February 1987. Her hard work paid off, Mae was going to become an astronaut, and her training was about to begin.

Mae headed to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. She underwent rigorous astronaut training. Her training included learning how to operate spacecraft, conducting experiments, and even preparing for spacewalks. Mae’s training was challenging, but she was determined to succeed.