Kicking off a series of events designed to showcase and celebrate 40 years since the first American woman explored space, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will host two out-of-this-world panel discussions and exclusive afternoon tea events, Friday, June 16.
“Women have played an integral role in furthering the mission of space exploration and discovery,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “Forty years after Sally Ride became the first American woman to launch into 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 ongoing impact of women on the space program.”
Women in Space Panel, June 16 – 11 a.m.
Guests are invited to join trailblazing, veteran astronauts and space industry leaders for a Women in Space Panel in the IMAX Theater:
Veteran astronaut Anna Fisher
Veteran astronaut Kay Hire
Noelle Zietsman, vice president and chief engineer for Boeing Exploration Systems
Nancy Cuty, partnership development manager, NASA KSC Center Planning
The astronauts and panelists will share their personal accounts of their journey to the space program and how they helped to advance the industry. Following the panel discussion, attendees will be brought inside for a unique photo opportunity with panelists. The panel discussions are included with admission.
Women in Space Afternoon Tea, June 16 – 3:30 p.m.
The visitor complex will host a special, separately priced Women in Space Afternoon Tea with select panel participants each afternoon inside Chat With An Astronaut. During the tea, guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, tea, and champagne as the space pioneers share their experiences with the audience in a small-group setting. Following the presentation, guests are invited to ask the panelists questions before taking a photo with them at the event’s conclusion. Attendees will also receive a keepsake item. Tickets to the Women in Space Afternoon Tea are $83 per person and can be purchased HERE.
Afternoon tea participants include:
Veteran astronaut Anna Fisher
Veteran astronaut Kay Hire
Veteran astronaut and President of Sierra Space, Janet Kavandi
Noelle Zietsman, vice president and chief engineer for Boeing Exploration Systems
The Women in Space Panel and Afternoon Tea are just two of several events planned throughout the summer to celebrate the important role women have played in the space program. June 15 – August 6, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex invites people of all ages to participate in a fact-finding scavenger hunt, chalk art installations, block parties, and more – all included with admission! Visit KennedySpaceCenter.com for a complete list of summer events.