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Astronaut Appearance

Meet Astronaut Bob Thirsk

Universe Theater

WedWednesdaySeptember 3
ThuThursdaySeptember 4
FriFridaySeptember 5
SatSaturdaySeptember 6
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Astronaut Robert “Bob” Thirsk wearing an orange flight suit and standing in front of a Canadian flag
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Get the rare opportunity to meet a veteran NASA astronaut every day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Meet the Astronaut of the Day at any of the following opportunities:  

  • Astronaut Encounter – During these presentations, hear from the Astronaut of the Day about his or her unique experience living and working in space. Have your questions ready after the presentation. Astronaut Encounter is included with admission. 
  • Chat With An Astronaut – Enjoy a sampling of food and beverages while having a small-group conversation with the Astronaut of the Day about what it is really like to live and work in space. Chat With An Astronaut can be purchased in addition to admission. 
  • Autograph signings – get the astronaut’s autograph at The Space Shop and Shuttle Express at various times during the day. 

 See the Daily Schedule for the times for each when you arrive.

Learn more about this Astronaut of the Day below.

Astronaut Robert “Bob” Thirsk wearing an orange flight suit and standing in front of a Canadian flag

Robert “Bob” Thirsk

  • Payload Specialist, space shuttle Columbia (STS-78)

  • Flight Engineer, Expedition 20/21

Robert “Bob” Thirsk made history as the first Canadian to complete a long-duration mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Selected for the Canadian Astronaut Program in 1983, Bob Thirsk’s first flight was on NASA’s space shuttle Columbia (STS-78) in 1996 as payload specialist. During the 17-day flight, he and his crew conducted 43 experiments on life and materials sciences in microgravity.

In 2009, Bob became the first Canadian astronaut to complete a long-duration mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), spending 188 days performing groundbreaking research, maintenance, and robotic operations as part of Expedition 20/21.

After retiring as an astronaut in 2012, Bob served as Chancellor of the University of Calgary and has continued contributing to space exploration as chair of the Advisory Council on Deep Space Healthcare. He now directs several social purpose organizations and works to promote space-related education in Canada.

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