Incorporating a meticulous approach developed through her astronaut training, Joan Higginbotham, a notable NASA astronaut with a background in electrical engineering, never leaves anything behind when packing for a trip. Having earned numerous accolades, including being one of the few African American women to venture into space, Joan was part of the STS-116 mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery.
Known for her methodical packing methods, Joan attributes her meticulousness to her astronaut training, where every task is meticulously planned using checklists. She elaborated on her packing routine during a visit to London, emphasizing her detailed planning, including creating Excel spreadsheets to organize her attire by day and weather conditions. Her dedication to precision stems from her years of training and experience in the space program.
After a decade of training, Joan finally embarked on her first mission to space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. During her 12-day mission as a mission specialist on the STS-116, she contributed to the assembly and enhancement of the International Space Station. Her journey in the space program began at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in 1987, where she was involved in over 53 Space Shuttle launches as a Payload Electrical Engineer.
Returning to the Kennedy Space Center as an ambassador, Joan now shares her passion for STEM fields with aspiring space enthusiasts. During her trip to London, she highlighted the engaging experiences offered at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, such as the Shuttle launch simulator and virtual reality interactive events. Additionally, the Center’s top attraction status in the Travelers’ Choice Awards underscores its popularity among visitors seeking a firsthand space experience.
The latest addition to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is The Gantry at LC-39, offering immersive views of active launch pads and interactive exhibits like the Rocket Build Interactive and Earth Information Center. Visitors can also look forward to a space-themed drone show during the Holiday in Space festive celebrations in Christmas 2025.
For those visiting the Kennedy Space Center, the opportunity to witness a live rocket launch with expert commentary adds to the excitement. Despite the unpredictable nature of launches due to weather and technical considerations, the Center is poised for a record-breaking number of launches in 2025, providing visitors with a chance to witness the thrill of space exploration firsthand.