Ellison Onizuka ♂️

Ellison Onizuka was an Asian American of Japanese descent who became the first Japanese American astronaut to be selected by NASA in 1978. Born and raised in Hawaii, Onizuka was inspired to pursue a career in the space industry after witnessing the Apollo 11 moon landing. He joined the Air Force and later obtained a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering. In 1985, Onizuka embarked on his first mission in space as a mission specialist on the Challenger space shuttle.

Tragically, Onizuka's career was cut short when the Challenger exploded just over a minute after liftoff on January 28, 1986. The entire crew, including Onizuka, lost their lives in the devastating event. Onizuka's legacy as an Asian American astronaut has since been honored through various initiatives, including the Ellison S. Onizuka Memorial Committee, scholarships, and the renaming of a crater on the moon in his honor. His determination, bravery, and contributions to space exploration serve as an inspiration to future generations, highlighting the importance of diversity and representation in STEM fields.