Breaking Boundaries: Anna Lee Fisher, The First Mom in Space

Anna Lee Fisher’s story shows how determination and courage can help achieve dreams. Born on August 24, 1949, in Albany, New York, she made history as the first mother to travel into space. She proved that being a parent and having big ambitions can go together.

“That ride on the shuttle is the most amazing eight and a half minutes into Earth’s orbit you could ever imagine,” Fisher recalls of her historic journey. “And then the view from space… words just aren’t adequate.”

As the daughter of an Army officer, Anna spent her childhood moving from base to base, calling various places home. Her dreams of space travel began in seventh grade, when she listened to Alan Shepard become the first American in space. That moment lit a spark in her, inspiring a dream that would define her life.

Fisher’s journey to becoming an astronaut was anything but ordinary. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from UCLA, followed by a Doctor of Medicine degree, and later completed a Master’s in Chemistry. These achievements were only the beginning of her remarkable path to the stars.

In 1978, Fisher joined NASA as part of Astronaut Group 8, the first astronaut class to include women. Her most important moment came in November 1984 when she flew on mission STS-51-A aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. This was a historic achievement. She became the first mother in space just 14 months after the birth of her daughter. She was eight months pregnant when she first learned about her assignment.

“I was shocked when I got the assignment,” she says. “I thought, well, they think I can do it, and I’m not going to say no.” After giving birth to her daughter, Kristin, on a Friday, Fisher was back at NASA the following Monday, committed to fulfilling her responsibilities.

During the mission, she operated the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) to retrieve two malfunctioning satellites—an intricate task that required intense focus and precision. It was an impressive feat, made even more remarkable by the knowledge that her young daughter was waiting back on Earth.

Throughout her career, Fisher has worn many hats: chemist, emergency physician, astronaut, and now instructor at USC’s Aviation Safety and Security Program. When asked for advice, her message is clear: “Don’t give up on something you want. Don’t accept defeat.”

Seeing Earth from space changed her perspective in ways she believes everyone should experience. “From up there, you realize how precious our planet is. We’re lucky to live on this amazing planet,” she reflects.

Today, Fisher inspires new generations by showing that dreams can continue even after becoming a parent. Her journey—from a seventh-grade girl dreaming of space to a groundbreaking astronaut and mother—demonstrates that the sky is not the limit; it’s just the start.

Bidisha Ghosh, Staff Reporter