Kathryn D. Sullivan

astronaut · oceanographer · space explorer · geologist

Three space missions. Sullivan flew on three Space Shuttle missions between 1984 and 1990. On her first mission, she became the first American woman to walk in space, floating above Earth while tethered to the shuttle.

Ocean science expert. Sullivan is a geologist and oceanographer who studied Earth's oceans and rocks. After leaving NASA, she used her knowledge to help protect and understand the ocean as head of the Earth Institute at Columbia University.

Navy officer too. Before becoming an astronaut, Sullivan served as an officer in the US Navy. She combined her military training with her love of science to become an explorer of both space and the sea.

Earth observer from space. From space, Sullivan conducted scientific experiments and observations of Earth. She could see our planet from a perspective that only a few hundred people have ever experienced.

Pioneering woman in space. Sullivan broke barriers as one of the first American women to journey into space. Her achievements opened doors for future generations of female astronauts and scientists.