description Kathryn D. Sullivan Overview
Kathryn D. Sullivan is an American geologist, oceanographer, and former NASA astronaut. During Space Shuttle Challenger mission STS-41-G in October 1984, she became the first American woman to conduct a spacewalk; she later flew on two additional shuttle missions. Sullivan also served as NOAA’s chief scientist and as Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, making her career relevant to spaceflight, Earth science, and ocean policy.
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When did Kathryn D. Sullivan become the first American woman to walk in space?
Sullivan performed the spacewalk during Space Shuttle Challenger mission STS-41-G in October 1984. She became the first American woman to conduct an extravehicular activity.
Which Space Shuttle missions did Kathryn D. Sullivan fly?
She flew three shuttle missions: STS-41-G, STS-31, and STS-45. STS-41-G was the October 1984 Challenger mission on which she performed her historic spacewalk.
Was Kathryn D. Sullivan a geologist before becoming an astronaut?
Yes, Sullivan is an American geologist and oceanographer as well as a former NASA astronaut. Her scientific background connected Earth and ocean research with the space-based observations carried out on shuttle missions.
What was special about Sullivan's STS-41-G mission?
STS-41-G made Kathryn D. Sullivan the first American woman to perform a spacewalk. The mission used Space Shuttle Challenger and took place in October 1984.
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