Canada (Commonwealth Union)_ Dr. Shawna Pandya, an Edmonton-based physician, is making history as the first Canadian woman to fly as a commercial astronaut. Her pioneering journey is set to take place aboard a mission organized by the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS), in collaboration with Virgin Galactic. Dr. Pandya’s remarkable achievement is not just a personal milestone but also a breakthrough for women in space exploration. Pandya’s dream of reaching the stars was sparked when she witnessed Dr. Roberta Bondar, Canada’s first female astronaut, launch into space in 1992. She recalled, “I was awestruck: women could also go to space!”. This inspiration led her to pursue a career that blends her passions for science, medicine, and space exploration. As the fourth Indian-origin woman astronaut, Dr. Pandya is a symbol of perseverance and excellence, breaking barriers for underrepresented groups in the traditionally male-dominated field of space science.
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Currently, Dr. Pandya is in rigorous training for the IIAS-02 mission, which will involve a suborbital flight to an altitude of around 100 kilometers. The mission is part of IIAS’s aeronomy program, which focuses on investigating the high atmosphere. This flight, lasting approximately 20 minutes, will provide valuable microgravity research opportunities. Dr. Pandya will be accompanied by two distinguished women, Kellie Gerardi from the United States and Dr. Norah Patten from Ireland, both of whom are leading experts in their fields. For Dr. Pandya, this mission represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. She has undergone intensive preparation, including 10 parabolic flights that simulate weightlessness, a crucial component for astronauts conducting microgravity experiments. Pandya’s ability to balance her demanding scientific career with physical training reflects her commitment to excellence. Apart from her qualifications in medicine and neuroscience, she is a certified aquanaut, a taekwondo black belt, and a skydiver, demonstrating her versatility and readiness to take on any challenge.
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Dr. Pandya’s roots trace back to her parents, who emigrated from India to Canada in the 1980s. Raised in Edmonton, she was driven by a love for the night sky, which grew during school camping trips. “I knew I wanted to find my place among the stars,” she says. This sense of adventure is ingrained in her DNA, as she credits her parents for instilling a spirit of exploration and hard work in her. Beyond her impressive academic achievements, Dr. Pandya has made significant contributions to medical technology. She was involved in the pre-clinical and early clinical testing of neuroArm, a neurosurgical robot inspired by the CanadArm technology used in space. This project exemplifies the intersection of her expertise in neuroscience and her passion for space, as the technology aims to assist in brain surgery.
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In addition to her spaceflight ambitions, Dr. Pandya has been an advocate for diversity in STEM fields. As a South Asian-origin woman navigating a male-dominated industry, she acknowledges the barriers she has overcome. “The history of human spaceflight began in the Cold War era, when astronauts were selected from male military pilots. Today, the field has evolved to embrace diversity, but gender parity remains a challenge,” she explains. Despite these challenges, Dr. Pandya is determined to pave the way for future generations of female scientists and astronauts. She serves as a role model for young women, particularly those from South Asian backgrounds, encouraging them to pursue careers in science, medicine, and space. “Find what you love in space—whether it’s medicine, science, piloting, or aviation—then work really, really, really hard to become the best. A strong work ethic is free,” she advises. Her message is clear: “Make space for yourself. Act like you belong here, because you do.”
Dr. Pandya’s mission with Virgin Galactic, scheduled for lift-off in 2026, is set to be a groundbreaking event, not just for space research but for the empowerment of women in science and technology. The mission will focus on experiments in various scientific fields, including women’s health, neuroscience, and health technology. Through her work, Dr. Pandya hopes to inspire a new generation of women to pursue their passions, break barriers, and reach for the stars. As Canada’s first Indian-origin female commercial astronaut, Dr. Shawna Pandya is more than just a trailblazer in space. She embodies determination, resilience, and the strength of pursuing ambitious dreams. Her story continues to inspire individuals across the globe, proving that no dream is too vast when fueled by hard work and a steadfast belief in oneself.
