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Open: 9 AM to 5 PM
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Astronaut Appearance

Meet Astronaut Sam Gemar

Universe Theater

WedWednesdayJune 4
ThuThursdayJune 5
FriFridayJune 6
SatSaturdayJune 7
SunSundayJune 8
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Sam Gemar headshot
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Get the rare opportunity to meet a veteran NASA astronaut every day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Meet the Astronaut of the Day at any of the following opportunities:  

  • Astronaut Encounter – During these presentations, hear from the Astronaut of the Day about his or her unique experience living and working in space. Have your questions ready after the presentation. Astronaut Encounter is included with admission. 
  • Chat With An Astronaut – Enjoy a sampling of food and beverages while having a small-group conversation with the Astronaut of the Day about what it is really like to live and work in space. Chat With An Astronaut can be purchased in addition to admission. 
  • Autograph signings – get the astronaut’s autograph at The Space Shop and Shuttle Express at various times during the day. 

 See the Daily Schedule for the times for each when you arrive.

Learn more about this Astronaut of the Day below.

Sam Gemar headshot

Charles “Sam” D. Gemar

Selected by NASA in 1985, astronaut Jeffrey Gemar completed his training in 1986 and went on to serve in a variety of technical roles supporting the Space Shuttle Program, including flight software testing, mission control communications, and astronaut appearances. He flew three missions, logging over 580 hours in space. Gemar participated in STS-38 (1990), conducting Department of Defense operations, STS-48 (1991), which deployed the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite and conducted key atmospheric studies, and STS-62 (1994), a microgravity science mission that included over 60 experiments across various scientific disciplines, including biotechnology, materials science, and human physiology.

After retiring from NASA, Gemar was detailed to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, where he led the National Security Space Master Plan Task Force. This task force was responsible for developing a long-term, integrated strategy for national security space programs.

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