Astronaut Mae Jemison On Making History In Space And Inspiring Change On Earth: "What's Above Us...

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More than three decades after making history aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour, Dr. Mae Jemison continues to inspire the next wave of space travelers while championing science and education on Earth.

Selected from among 2,000 applicants to NASA 's astronaut training program in 1987, Jemison was part of the first group of astronauts chosen after the Challenger accident in 1987. During her eight-day mission on Endeavour in 1992, she became the first woman of color to travel to space, conducting 44 science experiments alongside her crewmates.

"Space gives us a remarkable perspective for looking at the Earth," Jemison said. "We can look at and understand floods, what's happened to the ozone layer, we can look for minerals."

"How many people have a smartphone? ... That's global positioning in your hand. We use space technologies every day," Jemison said.

Beyond the practical applications, Jemison believes space exploration offers a profound philosophical perspective.

"What it did for me is to connect me with the greater universe," she said of her experience. "I imagined that I'm as much a part of this universe as any speck of stardust."

When asked for advice for "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King, who is preparing for her own space journey on a Blue Origin flight, Jemison offered encouragement.