Join Us for an Evening of Science!

Meet former NASA Astronaut Joan Higginbotham

Thursday, October 17, 2024 (5:30-7:30PM)

at the Museum of Arts & Sciences!

FREE Community Lecture & Reception

• Third African American woman to travel into space
• Distinguished 20-year career with NASA as a real life rocket-scientist and astronaut, logging more than 308 hours in space
• Inspires audiences with her trailblazing journey into space and beyond, sharing how to tackle any endeavor like a NASA astronaut for success

A retired NASA Astronaut, Joan Higginbotham flew aboard Space Shuttle Discovery in 2006 and became the third African American woman to travel into space. On the nearly 13-day mission, the seven-member crew continued construction of the International Space Station (ISS), embarking on four space walks with Higginbotham operating the station’s robotic arm. A real-life rocket scientist and trailblazing engineer, her journey with NASA began in 1987 as an aerospace technologist at the Kennedy Space Center where she soared through the ranks and participated in 53 space shuttle launches from the firing room. Selected as a NASA Astronaut candidate in 1996, she logged more than 308 hours in space, retiring from NASA in 2007. After her twenty years at NASA, she has held leadership roles with numerous large companies and now runs her own aerospace consulting firm.

She’ll share insights and lessons learned during her distinguished career, while inspiring and captivating audiences with her personal journey of breaking barriers to boldly go where few have gone: space. In doing so, she’ll highlight the keys to succeeding in her missions – including seizing opportunities, being prepared, perseverance, working with diverse teams, and thriving in demanding, high-stakes environments – as well as how these tactics can be applied to any endeavor.

PLUS, see the  “Hubble Space Telescope: New Views of the Universe”

before it closes on October 26th. Experience the life and history of the Hubble Space Telescope through this interactive and stunning exhibit designed by NASA.