Mary L. Cleave, a NASA astronaut who served on two space shuttle missions in the 1980s, recently passed away at the age of 76. During her nearly four decades at NASA, Dr. Cleave not only contributed to the early successes of the space program, but also went on to lead vital climate change research that examined ocean ecosystems using images taken from orbit.
Following her first space shuttle mission in 1985, Dr. Cleave watched the heartbreaking tragedy of the Challenger explosion in 1986. Despite the deeply emotional and challenging time, she was quick to return to space, ultimately becoming the mission specialist for Atlantis in 1989. During this mission, she was responsible for deploying the Magellan probe to Venus, which would go on to map more than 95% of the planet’s surface and survey its atmosphere.
Her time in space also led to a profound shift in her research focus back on Earth. Observing visible deforestation in the Amazon rainforest from orbit had a profound impact on her, eventually inspiring her to return to environmental research, which had been her area of expertise before joining NASA.
In her new role at NASA, Dr. Cleave led studies that used satellite data to monitor trends in ocean ecology, particularly focusing on the effects of a warming planet on ocean health. In delivering lectures, she often integrated her scientific expertise with humor, drawing attention to the urgency of addressing environmental issues.
Before her awe-inspiring career at NASA, Dr. Cleave faced many barriers, overcoming gender discrimination in previously male-dominated arenas such as flying and veterinary school. Her journey to NASA began when she encountered a recruitment notice at her local post office, prompting her to apply for astronaut training – a journey that eventually led her to become a pioneering figure in space exploration and environmental research.
Mary L. Cleave’s unwavering commitment to scientific discovery and environmental advocacy has left an indelible mark on the history of space exploration and the fight against climate change. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of scientists and astronauts, and her contributions to the field of environmental research will remain invaluable.