Dr. Roberta Bondar: Canada’s First Woman in Space 

On January 22, 1992, Dr. Roberta Bondar launched aboard Space Shuttle Discovery, becoming the first Canadian woman in space. A physician, scientist, and neurologist from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, she also became the world’s first neurologist to travel to space. Her journey marked an important milestone in Canadian space history. 

During the eight-day STS-42 mission, Bondar served as a payload specialist, taking part in scientific research aboard the shuttle. The mission focused on understanding how living organisms respond to microgravity, the near-weightless conditions experienced in orbit. Her medical background helped her study how spaceflight affects the human body, research that could benefit both astronauts and people on Earth. 

After returning from space, Bondar continued researching the effects of spaceflight on human physiology. She also developed a career in nature photography, using images and environmental education to encourage a greater understanding of Earth. From studying the human body in orbit to documenting the natural world, Bondar’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to science, exploration, and discovery.