The former NASA scientist and tech entrepreneur is joining Blue Origin’s first all-female space crew, bringing her Bahamian roots, STEM advocacy, and full glam along for the ride. In this interview, she reveals how she got there.
Category
🛠️
LifestyleTranscript
00:00It is an and. It is not an or. We are multi-hyphenate, right? Black women, we do not fit in boxes. You can be beautiful, you can be sexy, you can be smart, you can be successful. And that is what I'm excited to show because far too many people think that these fields are not for them at an early age because they perceive them as male-dominated. I'm like, you're going to see me in a full beat. I'm going to be in a pink suit. I'm going to have cowboy hat. I'm going to have boots. I'm going to have fringe. And this face is going to be beat.
00:28And that is what we're bringing.
00:32Hey, Essence family. It's news and politics editor, Melissa Noel. And today I am so thrilled to be joined by Aisha Bowe, an aerospace engineer, former NASA scientist and CEO of STEM Board.
00:45She's a trailblazer set to make history as part of Blue Origin's historic all-female crew on April 14th.
00:54And she'll also be the first person of Bahamian heritage to fly into space.
00:59Her journey is a powerful reminder of what's possible when we push beyond boundaries and follow our dreams.
01:06Aisha, thanks so much for being here with me today. I am so excited to dive into your incredible journey.
01:12Oh, thank you for having me, Melissa.
01:16Oh, listen, we got to get right into this story. So many things to talk about, but really just starting with your own journey, you know, from community college to NASA, how incredible that that was for you.
01:31What inspired that journey for you to even get so excited about STEM and space?
01:35I mean, I feel like high school me is just like screaming right now. And a lot of that was because I had to learn how to dream.
01:45When I was younger, I just accepted what other people told me as truth.
01:50If they told me that I wasn't good at something, I subconsciously just thought I wasn't good at it.
01:55Do you believe that?
01:56Exactly. And so you really have to watch how you speak to yourself and you have to watch how you allow other people to speak to you.
02:03Because once I decided to say, you know what, I'm going to commit to a reality, a world of my own making.
02:09And it doesn't matter that I struggled in high school. I'm going to focus on doing good in college.
02:15I made a list and had three things. I want to graduate from university.
02:18I want to do something that I would forever be proud of. And so that would be rocket science.
02:24And lastly, because I needed a job. You can't do those two things and not get a job.
02:28I wanted to work for NASA. And so I went from being a 2.3 high school student to earning two degrees in aerospace from the University of Michigan to working for NASA for six years and committing my life to this idea of the dream.
02:42How inspiring. I just had to take a pause for that moment. Right. So incredible and so inspiring.
02:51And then so you taking that dream for yourself. Right. Writing those things down and saying, I can do this.
02:57So that was one part of the journey. But then also being a Bahamian American and really how did your family and your Caribbean roots inspire you,
03:05especially knowing that this was a dream of your dad's?
03:08Yeah, my dad came to the U.S. to pursue a career in engineering and in science.
03:15And, you know, he had an opportunity to come close to working for NASA.
03:19And it was a dream that I'm not only happy to carry, but to be able to take something that I love and to expose it to the world and say space looks like us, too.
03:32Right. Space is for all, not for some. Having had 90 percent of the world's astronauts previously be men and less than 10 are African-American women in the history of space.
03:44We have to we have to change that. And this is what this mission is going to help to do.
03:50And I get to partner with who I get to partner with, which includes HBCUs.
03:55There will be students on that launch day from historically black institutions who are going to see their dreams in space, too.
04:03And I love that.
04:05So talk a little bit about that unique partnership you have with Winston-Salem University and just, you know, HBCUs produce, you know, so many of the engineers, the doctors, the lawyers that we see.
04:19How important was it for you to partner with a historically black college to really bring forth initiatives like that and tell us a little bit more about it?
04:27It was incredibly important to me because when I was working at NASA, I had the opportunity to see who was the best of the best and research and institutions that we worked with.
04:38And for a long time, I would see these schools whom we worked with.
04:43And I wanted to find a way after I left NASA to engage them because they do amazing work.
04:49The Astro Botany Lab at Winston-Salem is top notch.
04:53And so I wanted to reach back because we lift as we climb, right?
04:58And I wanted to say, I'm going to space.
05:00And this is a first.
05:02I want to bring you on this journey with me so that we can be covered in all areas.
05:07I'm an African-American woman who's a rocket scientist.
05:10I want to do research with the HBCU.
05:13And then I want to turn around and I want to inspire other people to say they did it.
05:18So can I.
05:19So can I.
05:19Yeah.
05:20Yeah.
05:20And I know that that is going to mean or that means so much to so many.
05:24Right.
05:25As you mentioned, like seeing someone who looks like you, understanding that it's possible.
05:31It creates not only such a goal, but also knowing like, hey, if she could do it, like I got this as well.
05:39Yes.
05:39And we inspire all people.
05:41You know, people stop me and they're like, oh, this must be so inspiring for, you know, black boys and girls.
05:46And I'm like, full stop.
05:47Black people inspire all people.
05:49This is inspiring for everyone.
05:51Okay.
05:52I'm getting notes from Kenya.
05:53I'm getting notes from India.
05:55I'm getting notes from the Caribbean.
05:56I'm getting notes from Kentucky.
05:58People are inspired.
06:00And that is what we are here to do.
06:02That is what the journey is all about.
06:04So let's talk about this all female crew.
06:07You're heading into space on April 14th.
06:10Just a couple of days away, the countdown is on.
06:13Katy Perry is on this flight.
06:15Gayle King is going to space with you.
06:18So many incredible women.
06:19What was it like to get that call?
06:21How did you feel?
06:22And how were you preparing this space?
06:26Like, I'm so like, how do you prepare to go to space with all these incredible women?
06:31So like getting the call was just like realizing that I was like screaming and hopping up and down.
06:35I'm just like, oh, my gosh, oh, my gosh, my gosh, Gayle King knows my name.
06:39Gayle King knows I'm alive.
06:41Like, wait, what?
06:42What?
06:43It was so exciting.
06:45And then I started to really think about my career and my training.
06:49I'm going to space with a company that did not exist when I worked at NASA.
06:54And there's been so much innovation in industry.
06:57And so I said, Aisha, I want to be able to document this.
07:00I want to be able to share the story.
07:02And I want to take the community along.
07:04It is not a me.
07:05It is a we.
07:06We are going to space.
07:07OK, I don't know if you saw Kyla on the red carpet, but we go in space, baby.
07:11And in doing that, I have recorded videos of my training.
07:15I went to the Federal Aviation Regulations for Commercial Space Flight.
07:19And I put together a plan that includes me flying in a fighter jet.
07:24That includes me in the only human rated centrifuge in North America.
07:28They've trained over 500 astronauts.
07:30You can see me giggling and going in circles.
07:32And it's great.
07:33And so we have been dropping these videos, which they're on YouTube.
07:38Check the teasers on my IG so that people can come to space with me and understand what it's like to prepare for this historic mission.
07:44Oh, and I love that you're taking us along for the ride.
07:48I think that's certainly part of the inspiration and also the excitement, just getting to see what is this like?
07:52How does it feel?
07:54Like, what are you going to be experiencing?
07:56That is so, so cool.
07:58And I thank you for just bringing us along for the journey.
08:01Right.
08:01And what are we wearing?
08:03Right.
08:04The hair is laid.
08:05The suits are, you know, I want people to come along for the entire experience.
08:10Right.
08:10Space, but fashion.
08:12And so that was going to be my next question.
08:14Right.
08:14We're diving right into the fashion, the hair, the makeup, the edge control, all the things.
08:20How, how did you, or how have you been preparing to ensure that all those things stay intact and you also don't, you know, the makeup doesn't run once the tears and excitement and the joy, you know, it's going to be so palpable.
08:31How are you preparing for that?
08:32That must be incredibly interesting.
08:36Well, we did a dry run in Dubai where I did a number of thrilling things.
08:39And so from the high altitude skydive situation to make sure that the lashes and the face stayed on to the zip line, we really tested everything first.
08:51And so I have to say one size, if you can hear me, right, keeps this face on.
08:57We're really rolling out some interesting and exciting things up along the way.
09:03Like, I have to tease it because you're going to see it and be like, yes, from the outfits to everything.
09:08Like, did you see the cover of Elle?
09:09Of course, of course we saw it.
09:12Of course we saw it.
09:12And I was like, okay, it's sleek.
09:14It's simple.
09:15It's, it's classic.
09:16It's gorgeous.
09:18Yeah.
09:18Okay.
09:18So I think what I'm hearing here is we have to watch out because we're going to see some great surprises on launch day.
09:26That's what I'm hearing.
09:28And the fast moments will be had.
09:30They will be had.
09:31Okay.
09:32All right.
09:32We're ready.
09:33We'll be, we'll be watching.
09:35And I love that that is part of it as well, right?
09:39Like, yes, you're a rocket scientist.
09:41You're doing all these great things in science, but you're also like literally a fashion and media maven.
09:47And you can be all those things at the same time.
09:49Because it is an and, it is not an or.
09:52We are multi-hyphenate, right?
09:53Black women.
09:54We do not fit in boxes.
09:55You can be beautiful.
09:56You can be sexy.
09:57You can be smart.
09:58You can be successful.
10:00And that is what I'm excited to show because far too many people think that these fields are not for them at an early age because they perceive them as male-dominated.
10:11I'm like, you're going to see me in a full beat.
10:13I'm going to be in a pink suit.
10:14I'm going to have cowboy hat.
10:15I'm going to have boots.
10:16I'm going to have fringe.
10:17And this face is going to be beat.
10:19And that is what we're bringing.
10:20All the energy.
10:21And we love it.
10:23We love it.
10:24Exactly.
10:25And not an or.
10:27Exactly.
10:27And I love just that sentiment there, right?
10:30And not an or.
10:31Like, you can do all the things and still look so good doing it.
10:34I'm so excited about seeing all the looks.
10:37We'll be here watching.
10:39You know, so we talked a little bit about how you're preparing, both from, you know, training to making sure the hair and everything stays intact.
10:48What are some of the, you're going to be bringing some special, significant items with you into space.
10:53Let's talk a little bit about them and the significance they hold for you, who you are, and also for others.
11:00Yeah.
11:01Well, one of the things that I've spent the last couple of years gathering are postcards.
11:07And what I wanted to do was have students around the world write their dreams.
11:11And I'm going to carry them to space.
11:14And they're going to be returned to them because I wanted to bring space home.
11:18If your dream has gone to the stars, why can't you take it there?
11:22And so I'm traveling with these postcards from Kenya, from India, from Africa, just all over the place.
11:28I've gathered them.
11:29I also have a special symbol of the past, present, and future of space in the American flag that was taken by Pete Conrad to the moon.
11:38It's his personal flag on loan from Nancy Conrad, his wife, and the Museum of Flight in Seattle.
11:44And I'm honored to have that powerful tie with what we're doing and what we have done and where we are going to go.
11:50And lastly, I'm carrying some special items from the Bahamas with me.
11:55And I'm really excited to have the opportunity to share this journey as I recently lost my father and my grandfather making the trip to watch the launch.
12:04At 92 years old, they didn't even have airplanes on his island when he grew up.
12:10And now he's going to see me go to space.
12:13Yeah.
12:13How incredible.
12:14And what a moment that's going to be for you, for your family, and just for everybody tuned in.
12:19I know that we'll have our tissues ready for sure for that moment.
12:23Thank you for sharing just, you know, some of those items.
12:25Because I think, as you said, it's so important to not only bring certain things with you for symbolic reasons, but then to show others, like, hey, like you said, if your dream can go to space, why can't you?
12:37If you've got to reach for it, you can do it.
12:39How do you hope that this space flight mission and this groundbreaking moment you'll have will help inspire the next generation of young people in STEM, right?
12:52We are, we're seeing such a moment.
12:54You mentioned that, you know, Blue Origin wasn't even around when you were at NASA, and now you're actually getting to travel the space with them.
13:01What does that mean to you, and how do you hope to inspire that next generation?
13:05Melissa, my goal is to be a bedtime story.
13:09And when people tell me, I want the kids to say, wait, did that really happen?
13:13It seems a little outrageous.
13:14Is it true?
13:15Did she really manage to become a rocket scientist after almost failing?
13:19Did she really go and work for NASA and then found two successful companies?
13:24Did she really educate tens of thousands of students around the world with her kids because she could, because she wanted to, and they told her that she could not?
13:33And did she really go to space?
13:36I think the story is what lasts.
13:38And I hope that this story of six women coming together from different walks of life, from different ages, and saying, hey, we're going to do something that we're excited by, but maybe scares us a little bit, is a story that resonates.
13:51And it's a story that is told far after we've left this place.
13:55So, so, so incredibly and wonderfully said.
13:58I mean, I have two more questions here, which have to do with, so you talked about how you hope to inspire, for sure.
14:05And I love what you said there.
14:07When we think about also for young people who are from countries that may not even have space programs, what kind of tangible results do you hope for?
14:18Are there things that may be coming on board where, you know, yes, you're working with HBCUs, but are there any plans to work with students in the Caribbean or other places in America to really take this mission forward?
14:32Because I know this, it's not stopping here.
14:34I know we may just be getting to know a part of your journey, but I know, like, there's so much to come.
14:39Yeah, earlier this year, I had the distinct honor of supporting the Bahamas in landing the first U.S. rocket to ever land in international territory.
14:50It's amazing.
14:51If you haven't seen it, go watch it.
14:53We landed a Falcon 9 rocket, and it was the first.
14:56We're bringing the multibillion-dollar space industry to the Caribbean.
15:00And for me to say that the Bahamas, a country that has entered space without a formal space program, is now sending me to space, I think it's the dawn of a new age of space and exploration for a lot of places.
15:15And so you no longer need to come from a country that has a space program to be in space.
15:21And you also don't have to wait for someone else to create a role for you.
15:26I'm working in a company that I made up.
15:28I'm doing a job that I made up with a logo that I made up, and I get to work in space.
15:33And I think that's the takeaway, is for anybody out there, do not wait.
15:38Dream it, plan it, and go do it.
15:41Ooh, dream it, plan it, and go do it.
15:43I think that brings us really nicely into the last question that I have, which is, if you could go back in time and tell your younger self anything in order to just kind of keep pushing and keep going, because you would get to this moment, what would it be?
16:00I would tell her to hold on and have faith.
16:04It gets so much better.
16:05When I was younger, all the things that I thought were challenges, all the things I thought would crush me, really were designed to make me.
16:15Now they're just fun stories I get to tell to you and on podcasts, right, about how I almost failed.
16:21Heck, I start a lot of my keynotes with my high school transcript.
16:24My grades are trash.
16:25They're terrible.
16:26But I'm pointing, I'm looking, I'm laughing.
16:28And those moments when I was in them felt terminal.
16:33They felt fatal, but they weren't.
16:35If I had not failed, I would not have succeeded.
16:39And so my message is to hold on.
16:41Life gets so much better if you dare to dream and if you dare to believe.
16:45Oh, if you dare to dream and if you dare to believe.
16:48So April 14th, we get to watch you make history and go into space.
16:53We'll be watching.
16:54We'll be cheering you on.
16:55And of course, we will be looking for the fashion as well.
17:01Thank you so much.