21st Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Science Day launches this month at University of Hawai‘i at Hilo

University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems — in partnership with the Onizuka family, Onizuka Memorial Foundation, Hawai‘i Science and Technology Museum and Canada-France-Hawai‘i Telescope — invites the public to a fun day filled with science.

The 21st Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Science Day is Jan. 24 on the campus of University of Hawai‘i at Hilo.

Come celebrate the legacy of Hawai‘i’s first astronaut while exploring the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics from 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The event is free. All ages are invited to attend.

“This exciting event will include an Ask-Me-Anything session with NASA astronaut Donald R. Pettit, hands-on workshops for students in grades 3–12 [registration required], [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] exhibits and demonstrations, special guest speakers, food trucks and a state-qualifying VEX IQ Robotics tournament,” said Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems Director Christian Andersen in an announcement for the event.

Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Science Day returns this year to University of Hawai‘i at Hilo after a pause because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event also commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy while honoring Onizuka’s enduring legacy and commitment to education.

The space shuttle exploded 73 seconds after launching Jan. 28, 1986. Onizuka, a Big Island native, was an astronaut on the Challenger mission and aboard the shuttle when it exploded.

Along with being Hawai‘i’s first astronaut, Onizuka was the first Asian American and first individual of Japanese ancestry to reach space.

His legacy lives on today, with his name attached to various buildings and facilities, including:

• Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.
• Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station on Mauna Kea.
• Onizuka Village family housing at Hickam Air Force Base, now part of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu.
• Onizuka Air Force Station in California.

An asteroid and a crater on the moon also are named in Onizuka’s honor.

“He showed the world what is possible when we dream big, work hard and have fun,” said Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems Engineer and Project Manager Amber Imai-Hong in the event announcement. “We are excited to bring [Astronaut] Ellison Onizuka Science Day back to our community, providing an opportunity to explore the exciting world of [science, technology, engineering and mathematics], and we hope it inspires keiki to pursue their own dreams, no matter how big.”

Workshop sessions will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis, so families are encouraged to register early to secure their student’s preferred workshop.

Click here for additional information and to register for workshops.

The event is sponsored by American Savings Bank, covering travel expenses for Pettit, and KTA Super Stores, which is providing student lunches.

Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems was founded in 2007 and is an aerospace research and education program within University of Hawai‘i at Hilo’s College of Natural and Health Sciences.

The center develops aerospace technology to help humans live and work beyond Earth.

Its applied research projects offer unique opportunities for high school and undergraduate students to learn hands-on work skills and gain real-world research experience.

Learn more at the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems website.