posted 10-05-2022 08:28 AM               

In 1978, NASA selected a new class of astronauts for the space shuttle program, including its first African American astronauts, first Asian American astronaut, and first women astronauts. These individuals brought varied talents to the astronaut corps as pilots, medical doctors, scientists, engineers, and military officers. Prior to the space shuttle program, no American woman ever flew in space with NASA.

Women Astronauts of the Space Shuttle Era shines the spotlight on these remarkable women who have made critical contributions to human space flight. The dramatic design of the snakelike path of panels situated under the orbiter Enterprise adds to the power of the experience.

The exhibit, which opens October 6, is free with Museum admission and is displayed in Spanish and English.