Aeronauts & Astronauts

Years of rigorous study and demanding physical training are required for those who fly the skies or explore space. What makes people want to fly or explore space? For some it is for national defense or scientific research and for others it is for the challenge and the excitement. The public came and met the people who fly and explore space in two related events.

The first event, "Reach for the Stars Space Exploration - the need, the excitement, the danger" was held at the Attleboro High School Auditorium. The featured speaker was Grace Corrigan, mother of Challenger crew member, Krista McAuliffe.

The second event, "Women Who Fly Reception - Flying the Skies - for research, for work, for pleasure" took place at the Women at Work Museum. Guest Speakers were Lucy Young, naval jet pilot and Dr. Karen Panetta, member of the astronaut pool.

Attendees had a chance to ask these burning questions: What is it like to fly a jet, a Piper Tomahawk, or a UH-1 Huey for pleasure, business, or military intelligence. There was also the the opportunity to explore all aspects of the aviation and space exploration industry with Lynda Meeks - Army Reserves and Fight Options pilot • Georgia Pappas – Ninety-Nines • Anne Umphrey - Helicopter Pilot and Owner Concord Copters • Dr. Karen Panetta - member NASA Astronaut Pool • Mary Liscombe - Associate Director McAuliffe Challenger Learning Center and many others including Grace Corrigan and Lucy Young.

Hosted by:  Attleboro Public Schools • American Legion Post 49 and Post 115 •
Ninety-Nines • Whirly Girls • Women in Aviation, Atlantic Chapter •
Women Veterans’ Network •