Kennedy Space Center celebrates 40 years of women in space
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is celebrating 40 years since the first American woman explored space with Women in Space panel discussions and exclusive afternoon tea events on June 15 and 16, 2023.
The Women in Space panel and afternoon tea are just two of the special events planned at Kennedy Space Center throughout the summer to celebrate the important role women have played in the space program.
“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,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “Sally Ride inspired countless women and girls to pursue their dreams in the space program. Our Women in Space events will celebrate the on-going impact of women on the space program.”
Women in Space Panels
Guests are invited to join veteran astronauts and space industry leaders for two panels in the IMAX Theater (included with admission).
- June 15, 2023, at 11 a.m. – Former NASA astronauts Anna Fisher and Kathy Thornton; Caley Burke, flight design trajectory analyst for NASA’s Launch Services Program; Colonel Erin R. Guldon, senior material leader, launch execution for National Security Space Launch U.S. Space Force
- June 16, 2023, at 11 a.m. – Former NASA astronauts Anna Fisher and Kay Hire; Vanessa Wyche, director of Johnson Space Center; Noelle Zietsman, vice president and chief engineer for Boeing Exploration Systems; and Nancy Cuty, partnership development manager for NASA KSC Center Planning
The panelists will share personal accounts of their journeys to the space program and how they helped advance the industry. Following the discussion, guests will have a unique photo opportunity. Additional panelists will be confirmed soon.
Women in Space Afternoon Tea
A separately-priced afternoon tea with select panel participants will take place inside Chat With An Astronaut.
- June 15, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. – Former NASA astronauts Anna Fisher and Kathy Thornton; Colonel Erin R. Gulden, senior material leader, launch execution for National Security Space Launch, U.S. Space Force
- June 16, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. – Former astronauts Anna Fisher and Kay Hire; Vanessa Wyche, director of Johnson Space Center; Noelle Zietsman, vice president and chief engineer for Boeing Exploration Systems, and Janet Kavandi, President and Chief Science Officer of Sierra Space
During the tea, guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, tea, and champagne as panelists share their experiences in a small-group setting. Following the presentation, guests will have the opportunity to ask questions and take photos. Attendees will also receive a keepsake item. Additional panelists will be confirmed soon.
Tickets to the Women in Space Afternoon Tea are $83 per person and can be purchased at https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/info/tickets#SpecialEvents.
For more information about Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex, visit https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/
