Syracuse native Jeanette Epps, a seasoned NASA astronaut since 2009, is poised for her inaugural spaceflight with the SpaceX Crew-8 Mission slated for mid-February.

Epps' impressive academic credentials include a foundation from Thomas J. Corcoran High School and LeMoyne College, equipping her for the role of mission specialist.

The mission's agenda encompasses an ambitious slate of over 200 scientific experiments and technological demonstrations, with a focus on pivotal research areas such as degenerative diseases, plant biology, and astronaut health.

This venture is a key component of NASA's Commercial Crew Program and is charted for an extensive duration, with the crew's return journey to Earth anticipated in late August 2024.

Epps boasts a diverse professional background, having honed her expertise at the Ford Motor Company and within the intelligence community at the CIA.