Retired NASA astronaut Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger joins Glen Kendell on Data and Confused to share her remarkable journey from high school science teacher to flying aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

In this episode, Dottie opens up about her path to becoming a NASA astronaut—starting as the first space camp alum to go to space—and what life was really like on the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. She shares stories about teamwork, problem-solving when technology fails, and how astronauts and mission control rely on each other to succeed.

The conversation also explores the future of NASA: returning to the Moon through the Artemis program, preparing for Mars missions, and why humans remain essential to space exploration even in an era of robotics and AI. Dottie also reflects on STEM education, inspiring the next generation of explorers, and how tools like AI can support (but never replace) critical thinking.

Whether you’re fascinated by astronaut stories, curious about NASA’s next missions, or looking for inspiration from women in STEM, this episode brings together science, storytelling, and lessons that apply far beyond space.