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Roberta Bondar first Canadian woman in space 33 years ago today

She flew aboard space shuttle Discovery
2016-05-13 Bushplane Cadet Program launch DMH-2
Dr. Bondar at the launch of the Dr. Roberta Bondar Air Cadet Training Program at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre on Friday, May 13, 2016.

It was a day for the history books.

Sault Ste. Marie’s Roberta Bondar became the first Canadian woman, the second Canadian, and the first neurologist in space 33 years ago today.

She flew aboard space shuttle Discovery, “the only Canadian and woman of the seven crew members of NASA Mission STS-42,” the Canadian Encyclopedia says.

“The mission was originally planned to last 10 days, but changes in shuttles due to repairs shortened it to seven days. On the sixth day after launch, enough fuel remained to extend the mission to eight days."

More about that fateful day is available here
 



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