The first Hispanic woman to launch into space is now the second female astronaut to be awarded the United States' highest honor.
Ellen Ochoa, who later directed NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, was bestowed with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony at the White House on Friday (May 3). Ochoa is the 10th astronaut to receive the medal.
"For most, the American dream is to be successful in whatever endeavor you choose here on Earth. For Dr. Ellen Ochoa, her dream was in the heavens," said President Joe Biden, who presided over the ceremony. "Ellen was the first Hispanic woman to go to space, ushering in a whole new age of space exploration and what it means for every generation to reach for the stars."
Individuals chosen for the Presidential Medal of Freedom have significantly contributed to the prosperity, values or security of the United States, world peace or other societal, public or private endeavors, according to the White House.
"Wow, what an unexpected and amazing honor!" said Ochoa, upon first hearing that she was going to be honored, according to a statement issued by NASA. "I'm so grateful for all my amazing NASA colleagues who shared my career journey with me."
Related: Pioneering women in space: A gallery of astronaut firsts
