Kicking off a series of events designed to showcase and celebrate 40 years since the first American woman explored space, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will host two out-of-this-world panels with exclusive discussions and events on Thursday, June 15 and Friday, June 16. of 2023.
“Women have played an integral role in furthering the mission of space exploration and discovery,” said Therrin Protze, director of operations for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “Forty years after Sally Ride became the first American woman to travel to space, NASA is preparing to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon as part of the Artemis missions. Sally Ride inspired countless women and girls to pursue their dreams in the space program. Our Women in Space events will celebrate the continued impact of women in the space program.”
Women in Space Panel, June 15 and 16 – 11 am
Attendees are invited to join pioneering veteran astronauts and space industry leaders for a Women in Space Panel at the IMAX Theater:
June 15: Veteran Astronaut Anna Fisher, Veteran Astronaut Kathy Thornton, Caley Burke, Design Analyst for flight, NASA Launch Services Program.
June 16: Veteran astronaut Anna Fisher Veteran, Astronaut Kay Hire-Noelle Zietsman, vice president and chief engineer, Boeing Exploration Systems, Nancy Cuty, partnership development manager, KSC NASA Center Planning POT.
The astronauts and panelists will share their personal accounts of their journey to the space program and how they helped advance the industry. After the panel discussion, attendees will enter for a unique photo opportunity with the panelists. Panel discussions are included with admission.
Women in the Afternoon Tea Space, June 15 and 16 – 3:30 pm:
The visitor complex will offer, at an additional cost, a Women in Space Afternoon Tea with selected participants from each afternoon's panel within Chat With An Astronaut. During tea, attendees will enjoy hors d'oeuvres, tea and champagne as space pioneers share their experiences with the audience in a small group setting. After the presentation, guests are encouraged to ask the panelists questions before taking a photo with them at the end of the event. Attendees will also receive a souvenir item. Tickets for the Women in Space Afternoon Tea are $83 per person and can be purchased HERE.
Afternoon Tea participants include:
June 15: Veteran astronaut Anna Fisher, Veteran Astronaut Kathy Thornton.
June 16: Veteran Astronaut Anna Fisher, Veteran Astronaut Kay Hire, Veteran Astronaut and President of Sierra Space Janet Kavandi
Noelle Zietsman, Vice President and Chief Engineer of Boeing Exploration Systems.
The Panel of Women in Space and the Women in Space Afternoon Tea are just two of several events planned over the summer to celebrate the important role women have played in the space program.