Claudia Alexander: A look back at the NASA trailblazer's career

Claudia Alexander of Pasadena's Jet Propulsion Laboratory worked as the U.S. leader on the Rosetta Project that put a lander on a comet, announced her death Thursday. JPL announced her death on Thursday. She was 56.

NASA scientist Claudia Alexander passed away a little over a week ago of breast cancer at the age of 56. Colleague and friend Nagin Cox reflects on her legacy.

NASA scientist Claudia Alexander passed away a little over a week ago of breast cancer. She was 56.

Alexander was the project manager for the Galileo mission to Jupiter and project scientist for the Rosetta space-exploration project. Alexander was also a black woman in the the very male, white world of space science.

Nagin Cox, one of the mission leads for the Curiosity Flight Team at NASA JPL, took a look back at Alexander's legacy.

"She was part of a unique set of women that have paved the way here at NASA, as well as her university" Cox said. "[She] really set the stage for those who came after her. She didn't trumpet that very often, but she did speak of its importance. She spoke of the importance of mentoring and encouraging young men and women in science, especially those of color, but she didn't emphasize her own role."

To listen to the full interview, click the blue audio player above.