• 18. July 2026 Space Summer

As part of Space Summer, we are delighted to welcome a special guest on Saturday, July 18, 2026: NASA astronaut Kathryn Thornton will be visiting Speyer to share her impressive experiences in space at our "Apollo and Beyond" space exhibition.

From 2:00 p.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m., Kathryn Thornton will take our guests in the Forum Cinema on a fascinating journey through her four space missions and offer personal insights into the life of an astronaut. Her stories are characterized by scientific fascination, team spirit, and the unique moments that only a stay in space can offer.

Following her presentation, there will be a panel discussion with Gerhard Daum, our curator and head of the space exhibition. Afterward, guests will have the opportunity to ask Kathryn Thornton their questions directly. Children up to 14 years of age will also have the chance to have their picture taken with the astronaut. Admission to the event is possible with a valid ticket from the Speyer Technology Museum. As seating is limited, we recommend arriving early. Doors open at 1:40 p.m. The event will be held in English.

Kathryn Thornton is one of NASA's most renowned astronauts. Between 1989 and 1995, she flew into space four times aboard the space shuttles Discovery, Endeavour, and Columbia. During this time, she spent over 40 days in space, orbited the Earth 638 times, and completed three spacewalks with a total duration of more than 21 hours.

We are delighted to welcome Kathryn Thornton to Speyer and look forward to sharing an inspiring afternoon filled with space history, the spirit of discovery, and fascination with our visitors of all ages.