Final answer:
Ellen Ochoa's third spaceflight on the STS-96 mission lasted for 9 days, having contributed significantly to the early stages of the ISS. Her involvement in space technology and robotics during this mission serves as an inspiration for STEM education.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ellen Ochoa's third flight into space lasted for 9 days. Ellen Ochoa, a renowned astronaut and the first Hispanic woman to go to space, undertook her third spaceflight as part of the STS-96 mission aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. This mission, which launched on May 27, 1999, was significant as it was the first mission to dock with the International Space Station (ISS). The crew's objectives included delivering supplies and equipment to prepare the ISS for the arrival of its first permanent crew. They conducted a spacewalk and transferred cargo using the shuttle's robotic arm, tasks which Ochoa was extensively involved in given her background as an engineer and a former director of Johnson Space Center.
The mission, STS-96, successfully concluded after 9 days, 19 hours, and 13 minutes, making a safe return to Earth on June 6, 1999. Ochoa's outstanding achievements have made her an inspiration across the globe, not only in the field of space exploration but also in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
Ochoa's career, which includes four spaceflights totaling nearly a thousand hours in orbit, reflects the stamina and dedication required to be an astronaut. Her third mission is a testament to her skills in spatial technology and robotics, vital components of ISS construction and maintenance. Students studying these subjects can draw inspiration from her determination and success.