Roberta Bondar is Canada’s first female astronaut and neurologist in space. Her pursuits in the fields of science, medicine, and education continue to inspire generations of Canadians.
First Canadian Woman in Space | Born in 1945
Traveling aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1992 Roberta Bondar became Canada’s first woman astronaut and the first neurologist in space. Following her space mission, she led an international space medicine research team working with NASA for over a decade. Her outstanding contributions earned her the NASA Space Flight Medal, as well as induction into the International Women’s Forum Hall of Fame and the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. In 2009 Bondar founded The Roberta Bondar Foundation, promoting environmental education through photography. She is the recipient of numerous accolades including Officer of the Order of Canada, Order of Ontario, 24 honorary doctorates from North American universities and a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.
Bondar has inspired generations to pursue their dreams in the fields of science, space exploration, and beyond.