Trailblazing Astronaut Mary Cleave, First Woman to Fly on NASA's Space Shuttle After Challenger Disaster, Passes Away at 76

Mary Cleave, the first woman to fly on a NASA space shuttle mission after the Challenger disaster, has passed away at the age of 76. Cleave, a trailblazer in the field of space exploration, served as a flight engineer and operated the shuttle's robotic arm during her missions. She downplayed the significance of being a female astronaut, emphasizing the focus on their jobs. After leaving NASA, Cleave worked on environmental issues and became the first woman to hold the title of associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate. She retired in 2007 and dedicated her time to volunteer work and inspiring young women in scientific pursuits.