9 Chapter 8: Life After NASA

After Mae returned to Earth, she worked for NASA for one more year. Then, she decided to retire from NASA and do other things. She cares very much about education, children, and the future of the planet. After leaving NASA, Jemison dedicated herself to visiting high schools and colleges. She traveled all around the country, speaking to students about her journey into space and the importance of dreaming big. She believed in the power of education to change lives and wanted to inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers³.  She considered herself as a “womanist”. She visited her old high school to motivate young women to follow their dreams. She encouraged them to be involved in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs like the space program. Her incredible life has been full of achievements and dedicated to helping others.

Post-NASA Timeline

1993 – Left NASA

Mae Jemison made the tough decision to leave NASA. She wanted to work with children to make a difference in their future³.

1993- Founded the Jemison Group and the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence

Jemison started a company called The Jemison Group. The company helps people think about how new technology affects people and culture. She also started a group called the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence. She named it after her mother. The foundation focuses on STEM education⁵.

1993- Appeared on the Show Star Trek

She played Lieutenant Palmer in the episode called, ‘Second Chances’ on the famous show Star Trek.  She was the first real life astronaut to be on that show⁵.

1994 – Founded the Earth We Share Science Camp

The four-week program is to help students learn more about science. Students work in teams and use the scientific method to find and solve a real problem in their community. They also practice thinking carefully and solving problems⁵.

1995-2002- Taught at Dartmouth College

Jemison taught environmental studies to college students⁵.

2001- Wrote an Autobiography

She wrote a memoir of her life for teenagers and children called Find Where the Wind Goes⁵.  

2012 – Principal of the 100 Year Starship

Jemison’s foundation won the 100 Year Starship project. The 100 Year Starship is a group that wants to help people learn how to travel to another star in the future. The project got $500,000 to continue the work. Jemison is the principal of the 100 Year Starship⁵.

2017- Lego Made a Toy Jemison and Other Women Astronauts

LEGO made a toy set called ‘Women of NASA.’ It included small figures of Jemison and three other women scientists including Sally Ride⁵.

Today-

Jemison lives in Houston, Texas. She has two cats named Sneeze and Little Mama. She continues to lead the 100 Year Starship project/group and the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence. She also continues to do public speaking on topics related to science, technology, and space exploration⁴.