January 22, 1992 – Roberta Bondar, a Canadian Space Agency Mission Specialist becomes the first Canadian woman in space!

This Canadian History for Kids exclusive, looks at the amazing life and times of Roberta Bondar.

Dr. Roberta Bondar was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, on December 4, 1945. As a child she enjoyed science. She loved the annual science fairs at her classes, and frequently set off experiments in her parents basement at the age of 7, but possibly the most interesting thing about Roberta’s childhood though, is her interest in space.

Bondar received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology and Agriculture from Guelph University in 1968, a Master of Science Degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1971, a Doctrate in Neurobiology from the University of Toronto in 1974.

In 1983 Dr. Bondar was chosen as a member of the first Canadian Astronaut Program. In January, 1992 she became the second Canadian and the first Canadian woman astronaut in space with her flight aboard the shuttle Discovery. Bondar flew on the NASA Space Mission STS-42, January 22–30, 1992, during which she performed experiments in the Spacelab.

Canadian History for Kids has learned that following her space flight Dr. Bondar left the space agency to follow her interest in photography. Roberta has had several exhibitions of her photographic works including the “Passionate Vision” in 2000, which documented Canada’s National parks.

Dr. Bondar has received many honours including the Order of Canada, the Order of Ontario, the NASA Space Medal, over 22 honorary degrees and induction into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.

In her hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, the Roberta Bondar Park pavilion bears her name. Bondar has also been honoured with a marker on Sault Ste. Marie’s Walk of Fame.

Dr. Bondar also holds a certification in sky diving and parachuting!