Astronaut Appearances

NASA selects astronauts from a diverse pool of applicants with a wide variety of backgrounds, from scientists to pilots. From the thousands of applications received, only a few are chosen to be a member of the elite NASA Astronaut Corps. Each day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visitors get the rare opportunity to meet a veteran NASA astronaut.

Meet the Astronaut of the Day at any of the following opportunities.  See the Daily Schedule for the times for each when you arrive.

• The daily Astronaut Encounter briefings allow time for a presentation from the astronaut and a question-and-answer session, so be prepared to ask him or her what you have always wanted to know.
• Visitors can also get an astronaut’s autograph at The Space Shop and Shuttle Express at various times during the day.
• During the all-new Chat With An Astronaut, enjoy a sampling of food and beverages while having a group conversation with the Astronaut of the Day about what it is really like to live and work in space. This new add-on enhancement requires daily admission.

Astronaut Bio:

• Born in Jamestown, North Dakota
  
• Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in math and physics and a Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering.
  
• Selected by NASA in 1986
  
• Has flown on three Shuttle missions:
  
  • STS-39 (1991) - a mission to study earth’s atmosphere
    
  • STS-49 (1992) - a mission to rescue the INTELSAT-6 satellite
    
  • STS-65 (1994) - a flight of the International Microgravity Laboratory
• A veteran of three spacewalks, or extravehicular activities (EVAs)