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Astronaut Appearance

Meet Astronaut Steve Smith

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

SunSundayJune 22
MonMondayJune 23
TueTuesdayJune 24
WedWednesdayJune 25
ThuThursdayJune 26
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Astronaut Steven Smith in full space suit holding his helmet in front of the U.S. flag
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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.

Astronaut Steven Smith in full space suit holding his helmet in front of the U.S. flag

Steven L. Smith

  • Mission Specialist, space shuttle Endeavor (STS-68)

  • Mission Specialist, space shuttle Discovery (STS-82)

  • Mission Specialist, space shuttle Discovery (STS-103)

  • Mission Specialist, space shuttle Atlantis (STS-110)

Dr. Smith, a seasoned NASA astronaut, flew four space missions, completed seven spacewalks, and played pivotal roles in servicing the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station.

Dr. Smith worked as a Payload Officer at NASA for three years before being selected as an astronaut candidate in 1992. He flew as a mission specialist on STS-68 Endeavour, STS-82 Discovery, STS-103 Discovery, and STS-110 Atlantis, where he played key roles in servicing the Hubble Space Telescope and installing the S0 Truss on the International Space Station (ISS). By the end of his NASA career, his spacewalk time ranked second among Americans and third globally.

Throughout his NASA career, Dr. Smith held various positions, including Astronaut Office representative for shuttle safety and Deputy Chief Astronaut, overseeing the Astronaut Corps’ daily operations. He also served as the NASA ISS Program Liaison to the European Space Agency and Associate Director for the ISS Science Directorate at NASA Ames Research Center. His achievements have earned him numerous awards, including two NASA Distinguished Service Medals and the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal.

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