In celebration of #NationalAstronautDay, we would like to recognize some of our iconic Canadian Astronauts and explore their connection to Mississauga.

One of Canada’s most well-known Astronauts is Dr. Roberta Bondar. On January 22nd 1992, Dr. Roberta Bondar became the first Canadian woman and the world’s first neurologist in space, launching aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on Mission STS-42 to conduct experiments in the International Microgravity Laboratory (IML-1).
Dr. Bondar graduated from UTM (then Erindale College) in 1974 with a PhD in neurobiology and she also holds a B.SC. (zoology and agriculture), an M.Sc. (experimental pathology), an MD, as well as numerous honorary degrees from multiple universities.

She has also received many honours including the Order of Canada, the Order of Ontario, the NASA Space Medal and induction into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.
Roberta Bondar is truly a trailblazer whose aspirations took her beyond the limitations of earth!

DYK that Dr. Bondar’s achievements may have taken her into space, but she is a staunch advocate for the planet earth and our environment?

Visit the Roberta Bondar Foundation for more info: https://www.therobertabondarfoundation.org/

 

 

photo: robertabondar.com

Kelly Ralston – Social Media & Program Coordinator