Nicole Mann: Astronaut becomes first Native American woman in space- PublishedA US astronaut has become the first Native American woman in space following a Nasa launch on Wednesday,Marine Colonel Nicole Mann, 45, is one of four astronauts who blasted off from Florida at midday bound for the International Space Station (ISS).Col Mann told the BBC that she hoped the mission would inspire future generations of Native Americans."[I hope it] will inspire young Native American children to follow their dreams and realise that some of those barriers that are there or used to be there are being broken down," she said.A registered member of the Wailacki of the Round Valley Indian Tribes, Col Mann has extensive experience flying a variety of aircraft for the US Marine Corps.While Col Mann, Mr Cassada and Ms Kikina have never been to space before, Japan's Mr Wakata is a hugely experienced flyer, having been to orbit four times already."