04.22.13

Cantwell Congratulates Washingtonian Bonnie Dunbar on Induction into Astronaut Hall of Fame

Cantwell: ‘Bonnie has blazed an inspiring path for Washingtonians and all Americans’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement applauding Washington state native Bonnie Dunbar’s induction into the Astronaut Hall of Fame this afternoon.

Dunbar, raised on a ranch in Outlook, Washington, was inducted into the Hall of Fame at a ceremony Saturday at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. A graduate of Sunnyside High School and the University of Washington, Dunbar flew five space missions and later served as CEO of the Museum of Flight in Seattle.

“While some dream of flying through space, Bonnie Dunbar did it,” said Cantwell. “Throughout her career Bonnie has blazed an inspiring path for Washingtonians and all Americans. Bonnie studied engineering at the UW during a time when few women were found in the field and became the first female astronaut from Washington state.

“Today’s much-deserved honor recognizes Bonnie’s tremendous accomplishments. From the Yakima Valley to Kennedy Space Center, Bonnie has been a true pioneer.”

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