Niagara Aerospace Museum welcomes astronaut Bonnie Dunbar

Niagara Aerospace Museum Press Release & Photos

The Niagara Aerospace Museum (NiAM) welcomed retired NASA astronaut Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar for a series of programs on Thursday, including a visit to Buffalo Public School #18.

Dunbar spoke to about 150 third, fourth, fifth and sixth grade students about how she became an astronaut, what it was like in space, and what the future of space exploration looks like. The students loved the presentation and, at points, even impressed Dunbar with their knowledge of the Apollo program and NASA's history.

Following her presentation, there was a robust Q & A with kids begging to ask questions well past the scheduled end time. The questions ranged from, "How did it feel during the space shuttle take off?" to "Why is the sky blue on Earth but black in space?"

Dunbar flew on five space shuttle missions between 1985-98, including two dockings with the Mir Space Station. For seven years, she served as a member of NASA’s senior executive service. She has been recognized with NASA Spaceflight and Leadership medals and seven honorary academic degrees. In 2002, she was elected to the National Academy of Engineering and, in 2013, she was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame.

The event was part of the Niagara Aerospace Museum’s ongoing STEM education programming.

“Educating the next generation of scientists, engineers, pilots and astronauts is a key piece of our mission at the Niagara Aerospace Museum,” Executive Director Lindsey Lauren Visser said. “Hosting Dr. Dunbar is an honor and a privilege.”

Dunbar’s visit is part of a larger engagement in partnership with the Niagara Frontier Section of the American Institute of Aeronautic and Astronautics (AIAA) and the Aero Club of Buffalo. Dunbar was scheduled to address a joint meeting of the two groups following her presentation to students.

“Both the AIAA and the Aero Club of Buffalo have a long history of bringing the foremost experts in aviation and aerospace to speak to our community,” said Niagara Frontier Section of the American Institute of Aeronautic and Astronautics Chairman Walter Gordon. “Dr. Dunbar has a distinguished career and we look forward to her presentation.”

More about the Niagara Aerospace Museum: Niagara Aerospace Museum’s mission is to preserve and share the rich heritage of and ongoing contributions to aviation and aerospace design and manufacturing in Western New York and to inspire and facilitate educational opportunities for learners of all ages in science, technology, engineering and math.

For more information, visit https://NiagaraAerospaceMuseum.org.