Kennedy Space Center celebrates 40 years of women in Space.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is gearing up for a series of extraordinary events aimed at honoring and celebrating the remarkable achievements of women in space, marking 40 years since the first American woman ventured into the cosmos. Scheduled for Thursday, June 15, and Friday, June 16, this captivating program promises two days of enlightening panel discussions and exclusive afternoon tea events.

"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," said Therrin Protze, the Chief Operating Officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. 

The Women in Space Panel will begin at 11 a.m. on June 15 and June 16 in the IMAX Theater, where trailblazing veteran astronauts and prominent leaders from the space industry will come together to engage in thought-provoking discussions:

June 15 Panelists:

• Veteran astronaut Anna Fisher
• Veteran astronaut Kathy Thornton
• Caley Burke, flight design analyst, NASA's Launch Services Program

June 16 Panelists:

• 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

During these panels, the astronauts and esteemed panelists will recount their journeys into the space program and share how they have contributed to its advancement; after the discussions, attendees can take photos with the panelists, all of which are included with general admission. 

In addition to the panel discussions, the visitor complex will host the Women in Space Afternoon Tea on June 15 and 16 at 3:30 p.m. This separate event, held inside Chat with An Astronaut, will feature select panel participants in an intimate setting. Guests will indulge in hors d'oeuvres, tea, and champagne while listening to the captivating stories of these space pioneers. Attendees can ask the panelists questions, take a memorable photo with them, and receive a keepsake item for $83 per person.

June 15 Afternoon Tea Participants:

• Veteran astronaut Anna Fisher
• Veteran astronaut Kathy Thornton

June 16 Afternoon Tea Participants:

• 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 Women in Space Afternoon Tea is just a glimpse of the series of events planned throughout the summer to commemorate the invaluable contributions of women to the space program.