NASA, SpaceX send first Black woman astronaut to ISS

SpaceX launches historic NASA Crew-4 astronauts from Florida for six-month mission at the ISS.

Damien Henderson, Associated Press

Jessica Watkins made history on Wednesday by becoming the first Black woman launched into space for an extended mission on the International Space Station.

Watkins, 33, and three other astronauts rocketed into space from the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida,at3:52 a.m. EDT.

"I think it really is just a tribute to the legacy of the Black women astronauts that have come before me, as well as to the exciting future ahead," Watkins said during an NPR interview.

Last November, NASA announced Watkins would be the fourth and final seat on Crew Dragon forSpaceX's Crew-4 mission.

The assignment meant she would be the first Black womanto join an ISS crew for scientific research, station maintenance, training and more over a six-month period. Previously,Victor Glover, part of SpaceX's Crew-2 mission that launched in November 2020, became the first Black astronaut to join a station crew.

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Out of 248 astronauts who have visited the space station, only seven have been Black and none were included in expeditions lasting several months.

In 1983, Guion Bluford became the first Black astronaut to travel to space. Mae Jemison followed nine years later and became the first Black woman to do the same.

NASA also announced last year that Watkins was chosen for the Artemis program that aims to put astronauts back on the moon no later than 2025.

Wednesday's flight sent NASA'sBob Hines,Kjell Lindgren and the European Space Agency'sSamantha Cristoforettito orbit.

They're expected to dock at the space station at 8:15 p.m.EDTif schedules hold.

"For me, growing up, it was important to me to have role models in roles that I aspire to be in, contributing in ways I aspired to contribute," Watkins told NPR."So to the extent that I'm able to do that, I'm honored and grateful for the opportunity to return the favor."

Contributing: Emre Kelly and Rick Neale

Follow reporter Asha Gilbert @Coastalasha.Email: agilbert@usatoday.com.

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Jessica Watkins makes history as first Black woman launched to Space Station for extended mission - USA TODAY