The Knowledge
Ellen Ochoa: The Inventor Who Helped NASA See the Future
Forgotten Genius Friday
When people think about space exploration, they often remember the astronauts who traveled beyond Earth. But behind every mission are engineers, scientists, and inventors who create the technology that makes those journeys possible.
One of those innovators is Ellen Ochoa — an engineer, inventor, and astronaut whose work helped advance optical technology and opened new possibilities for space exploration.
Her story is not only about reaching the stars. It is about creating the tools that help humanity understand the world around us.
A Curiosity for Science and Discovery
Born on May 10, 1958, in Los Angeles, California, Ellen Ochoa developed an early interest in learning and problem-solving. She studied physics at San Diego State University before earning advanced degrees in electrical engineering from Stanford University.
Her path was shaped by curiosity, determination, and a passion for using science to solve real-world challenges.
Before becoming an astronaut, Ochoa was already making history as an engineer.
The Technology Behind the Vision
Ochoa specialized in optical systems — technology that allows machines to analyze and interpret images.
Her research led to inventions involving optical inspection systems designed to improve how computers process visual information. These technologies helped with tasks such as detecting defects, analyzing patterns, and improving automated systems.
Through her work, Ochoa became a co-inventor on several patents related to optical technology.
Her inventions demonstrated an important idea: exploration is not only about traveling farther — it is also about developing better ways to observe, measure, and understand.
Breaking Barriers at NASA
In 1990, Ellen Ochoa was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA.
Three years later, she made history aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery mission, becoming the first Latina to travel into space.
During her NASA career, Ochoa completed four space missions and spent nearly 1,000 hours in orbit. Her missions focused on scientific research, Earth observation, and advancing our understanding of space.
She became a symbol of possibility for future generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers.
Leading the Next Generation of Space Exploration
Ochoa’s impact continued after her astronaut missions. She later became the first Latina to serve as director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, helping guide one of the world’s most important space organizations.
Her leadership helped inspire new generations to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
A Legacy Beyond the Stars
Ellen Ochoa’s journey reminds us that innovation can come from many places. Sometimes the greatest discoveries begin with a question, an idea, or a new way of looking at a problem.
She did not just travel into space — she helped create the technology that made discovery possible.
For Forgotten Genius Friday, Ellen Ochoa represents what the series celebrates: the innovators whose brilliance changed the world, even before many people knew their names.
Her inventions helped us see the future. Her journey helped others believe they could reach it.
Learn More About Ellen Ochoa
- NASA – Ellen Ochoa Biography
- NASA Johnson Space Center
- National Women’s History Museum – Ellen Ochoa
- Encyclopaedia Britannica – Ellen Ochoa
- NASA STEM Education
- Google Patents – Search Ellen Ochoa’s Patents
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The Knowledge
Where Does Federal Money Go? The Biggest Costs Behind the Budget
Where does federal money go? Part two of our National Debt Explained series examines the biggest expenses in the 2025 budget and how spending connects to government borrowing.
Last Updated on October 13, 2026 by Daily News Staff
The Knowledge | National Debt Explained, Part 2
When discussing debt, ask: Who borrowed the money? That question helps distinguish a family’s finances from the federal budget. Our first episode explained why your credit card balance is separate from the national debt. Now comes the next question: What does the federal government spend money on?
Much of it pays for retirement benefits, health coverage, national defense, public services, and interest on previous borrowing.
Social Security was the largest individual program in fiscal year 2025, costing approximately $1.6 trillion. But combine the major health care programs—including Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance subsidies—and their spending reached about $1.8 trillion, exceeding Social Security alone. cbo.gov
The figures below cover October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025.Major expense FY 2025 spending What it supports Social Security About $1.6 trillion Retirement, survivor, and disability benefits Medicare, net $988 billion Health coverage for older adults and certain people with disabilities Net interest $970 billion Cost of servicing publicly held federal debt, after subtracting interest income Discretionary defense $893 billion Military personnel, operations, equipment, and research Medicaid $668 billion Federal contribution toward health coverage and care for eligible people
These are selected expenses, not the entire budget. Medicare spending is shown after premiums and other offsetting receipts. The combined health care total already includes Medicare and Medicaid, so it should not be added to those rows. cbo.gov
The government also supports veterans’ health care, transportation, education, housing assistance, courts, law enforcement, scientific research, disaster response, and environmental protection. Nondefense discretionary spending totaled approximately $980 billion in 2025, covering many of these services. Some funding for these areas falls elsewhere in the budget. cbo.gov
Federal spending falls into three broad groups:
- Mandatory spending: Payments governed by existing eligibility rules and benefit formulas, including Social Security and major health programs.
- Discretionary spending: Funding lawmakers control through appropriations legislation, including most defense spending and many public services.
- Net interest: The expense of servicing publicly held federal debt, minus government interest income. cbo.gov
Interest deserves attention because it pays for borrowing already undertaken. In 2025, net interest exceeded discretionary defense spending. Congressional Budget Office
A program’s cost does not automatically translate into an equal increase in national debt. Taxes and other receipts finance much of federal spending. Social Security and Medicare’s hospital insurance program receive dedicated payroll taxes, while Medicare also collects premiums.
In 2025, federal spending totaled approximately $7 trillion, compared with $5.2 trillion in revenue. The roughly $1.8 trillion shortfall was the deficit, requiring borrowing. Understanding national debt therefore means examining both what government spends and what it collects. cbo.gov
Explore more explanations behind the headlines at STM Daily News, home of The Knowledge.
Sources for this episode
- CBO: The Federal Budget in Fiscal Year 2025 — Overview of spending, revenue, deficits, and debt interest.
- CBO: Mandatory Spending in Fiscal Year 2025 — Breakdown of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other benefit programs.
- CBO: Discretionary Spending in Fiscal Year 2025 — Defense spending and services including transportation, education, and veterans’ health care.
- CBO: Overview of the FY 2025 Budget Infographics — Highlights the largest expenses and broader budget trends.
Related reading
- U.S. Treasury: Understanding the National Debt — What federal debt represents and how borrowing works.
- U.S. Treasury: Understanding the National Deficit — Explains the difference between an annual deficit and accumulated debt.
- U.S. Treasury: Federal Spending — Additional context about where federal money goes.
Daily News
Whose Debt Is the National Debt?
The national debt isn’t Americans’ credit card balances added together. This simple explainer separates federal borrowing from household debt and explains the difference between debt and a deficit.
Last Updated on October 11, 2026 by Daily News Staff
The Knowledge | STM Daily News
When you hear “national debt,” do you picture everyone’s credit card balances added together? The name can create that impression, but the national debt and household debt measure different borrowing.
The U.S. national debt is money the federal government owes. Your personal credit card balance is not included.
Federal debt versus household debt
The Treasury defines national debt as the federal government’s total outstanding borrowing accumulated over the country’s history. Household debt covers borrowing by individuals and families, including mortgages, credit cards, auto loans, and student loans.
|Type of debt |Who borrowed? |Examples |
|————–|————————|————————————————–|
|National debt |Federal government |Outstanding Treasury securities |
|Household debt|Individuals and families|Credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, student loans|
Putting a $500 purchase on your credit card increases your personal balance. It does not add $500 to the national debt.
How does the national debt grow?
When federal spending exceeds tax collections and other revenue, the government runs a budget deficit. Treasury sells securities to borrow money to cover the gap.
Consider a simplified, hypothetical example: the government collects $5 trillion and spends $6 trillion in one year. That leaves a $1 trillion deficit requiring financing.
A deficit measures a shortfall over a period, usually a year. Debt measures outstanding borrowing accumulated over time. Repeated deficits generally increase that debt. Interest on existing borrowing is also a federal expense.
Does paying off your credit card reduce the national debt?
Paying off a card reduces what you owe your lender. It does not directly repay Treasury borrowing. Household debt and government debt can influence the same economy, but they remain separate obligations.
When discussing debt, ask: Who borrowed the money? That one question helps distinguish a family’s finances from the federal budget.
Find more explanations of the ideas behind the headlines at STM Daily News, home of The Knowledge.
Sources
● U.S. Treasury: Understanding the National Debt
● U.S. Treasury: Understanding the National Deficit
● Federal Reserve Bank of New York: Household Debt and Credit Report
Science
October Meteor Showers Give Phoenix Skywatchers a Reason to Look Up
Phoenix skywatchers have several chances to catch October’s meteor showers. Here’s when to watch the Taurids and Orionids—and how moonlight affects the view.
Last Updated on October 10, 2026 by Daily News Staff
PHOENIX — October is bringing several opportunities to spot shooting stars over the Valley, with the Draconids reaching their October 8–9 peak and more meteor activity ahead.
The Draconids remain active through October 10, although viewers should expect a light display as the peak passes. Under favorable conditions, the shower typically produces only a handful of meteors per hour. timeanddate.com
Next, the Southern Taurids have an annual activity peak around October 14. Known for occasional bright fireballs, the shower continues into November. The stronger Orionids peak on the night of October 21 into the morning of October 22, typically producing 10–20 meteors per hour under dark skies. A bright Moon will interfere with this year’s display. American Meteor Society
The Orionids originate from debris left by Halley’s Comet. For Phoenix viewers, the best opportunity will be after moonset and before dawn, weather permitting. City lights will further reduce the number visible. amsmeteors.org
NASA recommends finding a viewing area away from streetlights, allowing about 30 minutes for eyes to adjust, and watching a broad stretch of sky. No telescope is needed—just a comfortable chair and patience. NASA Science
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