Ellen S. Baker

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STS-71 Ellen Baker dons launch-entry suit (KSC-95EC-0907)

[[File: Ellen S. Baker is an American physician, astronaut, and public health professional known for her contributions to space medicine and her participation in three Space Shuttle missions. Born on April 27, 1953, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Baker's career at NASA and her medical expertise have made significant impacts on the understanding of how spaceflight affects human health.

Early Life and Education

Ellen Baker was born to a military family, which instilled in her a sense of discipline and a passion for exploration. She pursued her education with a focus on science, eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geology from State University of New York at Buffalo in 1974. Her interest in medicine led her to the University of Michigan, where she obtained her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree in 1978. Baker's commitment to public health was further solidified by earning a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Medical Career

Before joining NASA, Dr. Baker worked as a physician in various capacities, including clinical work and research. Her focus areas included internal medicine and occupational health, particularly in the context of spaceflight. This work laid the foundation for her future contributions to space medicine.

NASA Career

Ellen Baker joined NASA in 1981 as a medical officer at the Johnson Space Center. Her expertise in medicine and her passion for space exploration led to her selection as an astronaut candidate in 1984. Baker's astronaut career includes three spaceflights: STS-34 in 1989, STS-50 in 1992, and STS-71 in 1995. During these missions, she served in various roles, including as a mission specialist and payload commander, contributing to scientific experiments that studied the effects of microgravity on human health.

Post-NASA Career

After her time in space, Dr. Baker continued to work with NASA in roles focused on health and safety, including serving as the Chief of the Education/Medical Branch of the NASA Astronaut Office. Her work has been instrumental in developing health standards and protocols for astronauts. Beyond her contributions to NASA, Baker has been an advocate for public health, emphasizing the importance of preventive medicine and the application of space research to improve health on Earth.

Legacy and Honors

Ellen Baker's contributions to space exploration and medicine have been recognized through various awards and honors, including the NASA Space Flight Medal. Her work has not only advanced the field of space medicine but also inspired future generations to pursue careers in STEM fields.

See Also

• Space Shuttle program
• Space medicine
• Women in space