INSpiREzine Stars! | Page 61

Canadian astronauts - and Roberta applied at once; she was destined for it. Standing out amongst a group of 4300 applicants, Roberta was chosen to be part of the team. Her clinical experience and neuroscience research made her an ideal candidate for the position. Her fellow team members included: Ken Money, Marc Garneau, Robert Thirsk, Bjarni Tryggvason, and Steve MacLean - of whom, Roberta Bondar was the only female.

In 1992, she was designated Payload Specialist for the "International Microgravity Laboratory Mission", meaning that she was in charge of the mission purpose, the multitude of experiments conducted, and the cargo. As part of her training, she worked with many other scientists to help finalize the experiments that they would perform in space, practiced emergency procedures, and endured stimulations that would help her body get used to the physical changes she would be undergoing.

On January 22nd, 1992, Roberta Bondar officially became the first Canadian woman in space, upon the Nasa Space Shuttle Discovery. The mission lasted eight days with Roberta and her crew members working on experiments that would allow for future astronauts to stay in space for longer periods of time. They also took vivid pictures of earth from space, which Roberta particularly enjoyed. After orbiting the Earth 129 times, the shuttle returned to Earth on January 30th, 1992.

Roberta would leave the Canadian Space Agency later that same year, but she continued to apply the data she had collected in space to her medical research, with the goal of improving earthly medicine. Roberta continues to work with science in multiple aspects of her life, including her own non-profit organization called "The Roberta Bondar Foundation", which emphasizes educating people on their role in protecting the environment.

Ultimately, Roberta Bondar serves as an inspiration to us all, as she exemplifies the virtues of courage and intelligence through her incredible journey and transformation from a young girl with an aspiration, to a world-renowned Canadian female astronaut. Roberta Bondar is truly a reminder to us all, that anything we dream of is achievable - and even though it may seem hard, if not impossible, it can be effectuated through passion, hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

- Samara Mathew