An astronaut's inspiring and winding road to space | Joan Higginbotham | TEDxBermuda

While working for NASA as an electrical engineer (aka rocket scientist) preparing 53 shuttles for successful launches she applied to be an astronaut. In December of 2006, Mrs. Higginbotham became the 3rd of only 3 African American women to fly into space aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. Her journey is inspirational for anyone who dreams of being an astronaut.
Mrs. Higginbotham was born and raised in Chicago, IL, and is the youngest of four children. She began working for NASA as an electrical engineer (aka rocket scientist) preparing shuttles for launch. After successfully launching 53 shuttles and completing a master’s degree in Engineering Management, Mrs. Higginbotham applied to be an astronaut. When her first attempt to become an astronaut was not successful, she decided to complete a second master’s degree in Space Systems. She was then accepted into the 1996 class of astronauts candidates. In December of 2006, she became the 3rd of only 3 African American women to fly into space aboard Space Shuttle Discovery where her primary task was to operate the Canadian robotic arm to continue building the International Space Station. In total, she spent nearly 13 days (a total of 308 hours) in space. Mrs. Higginbotham retired from NASA after a 20-year distinguished career and relocated to Charlotte where she works for Collins Aerospace. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@GlendaCarroll]

My absolute favorite Astronaut 🧑🏾‍🚀

[@pendulumdistinction2494]

This is an absolute gift. My dream as a child was to be an Astronaut. I have in the process found out that there was a correlation and integration (an invisible bridge) if you will connection to Sound. Yes, the phenomena of sound itself. Thank you Mrs. Jean Higginbotham and Tedx Talks for the opportunity to inspire anyone willing to listen and listen. The possibilities are enormous despite anything. It may not be what you think it is but the reality is that everything in this Life is connected in ways beyond our comprehension. Thank you

[@TheBetsymaria]

I love space thank you for sharing

[@KosmicKoheiAspiringAstronaut]

So inspiring! Thank you for sharing!!

[@aadarshktofficial]

What a inspiring video!!!. But so low views.😢

[@joejones9520]

most people dont know anything about space travel or space programs and dont seem to be interested, it's sad because going into space is the most amazing thing humans have ever accomplished

[@aadarshktofficial]

@@joejones9520 Yes you right. I keep searching for space related content on internet.

[@DiamondShekinah]

Truly an inspiration ! This was excellent .

[@Musa1618]

Happy Anniversary on your space flight! I had the distinct honor of organizing a media event with you at a Chicago public school with former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.

[@lilliansteele7165]

Astronauts of color rock.

[@nourelhoudakribi8469]

💕💕

[@anthonyjackson8624]

Who were the 3 in her class on board sets-107