NASA Astronaut Nicole Mann, set to be the first Native American woman in space.

The NASA astronautclass of 2013was the first to include equal numbers of men and women.

Deployed in the past to both Iraq and Afghanistan, Mann has accumulated six medals for her service.

NASA Astronaut Will Become the First Native American Woman in Space

NASA Astronaut Nicole Mann, set to be the first Native American woman in space. (Photo:NASA Johnson)

ThisCrew-5mission is her first space flight, as it often takes years for astronauts to get the relevant training.

Mann will serve in the critical role of mission commander.

It’s very exciting, Mann toldIndian Country Today.

NASA’s Nicole Mann Prepares for SPace

NASA astronaut Nicole Mann gives a thumbs up from inside the Orion mockup in 2019. (Photo:NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Mann’s space career may only be just getting started.

Ofthousands of applicants, Mann may have a chance to step on the Moon.

For now, her leap spaceward is a chance to celebrate Indigenous women in STEM.

NASA’s Nicole Mann

Nicole Aunapu Mann, NASA astronaut. (Photo:NASA)

NASA astronaut Nicole Mann gives a thumbs up from inside the Orion mockup in 2019.

Nicole Aunapu Mann, NASA astronaut.