Onizuka Space Science Day 2020 on March 7 was a great success, giving students in fifth through 12th grade a chance to explore their interests in space and beyond. As the aspiring scientists waited to enter Marsee Auditorium, NASA astronaut Mark T. Vande Hei, was on hand for an impromptu meet and greet. The event continued with Vande Hei as special guest speaker. Astronaut Vande Hei served as flight engineer on the International Space Station for Expedition 53/54, logging 168 days in space and completing four space walks. He is currently serving as the assistant to the chief astronaut for extravehicular activity and robotics.
Following the presentation, students joined hands-on science activities, experiments, classroom presentations and demonstrations led by El Camino College professors, students and guests from other institutions. This year marked the 34th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger accident in which astronaut Ellison Onizuka perished along with the six other crew members. The annual free event at El Camino College was created to honor Onizuka's memory and his dream of inspiring youth to strive for and achieve their career goals. Many thanks to the Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Memorial Committee, and American Honda Motor Co., Inc., event sponsors.