Torrance residents can hear firsthand what it is like to fly beyond Earth when former NASA astronaut Ken “Taco” Cockrell visits the Western Museum of Flight on Saturday.

Cockrell’s career took him from flying Navy jets from aircraft carriers to the Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River, Maryland. He later joined NASA’s astronaut program and served as a mission specialist, pilot, and commander during five Space Shuttle flights.

During the museum’s Celebrity Lecture, Cockrell will share experiences from that journey and offer guests a closer look at the discipline, training, teamwork, and decision-making involved in human spaceflight.

The program takes place from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 18, at the Western Museum of Flight, 3315 Airport Drive. Admission to the lecture is free.

The museum’s location beside Torrance Airport makes the appearance especially fitting. Visitors will be able to hear from someone who advanced through multiple levels of aviation—from carrier operations and experimental aircraft testing to commanding missions in orbit.

Residents interested in aviation, space exploration, military history, or engineering will find plenty to appreciate. Families with aspiring pilots, astronauts, and scientists may also see the event as an opportunity to connect a remarkable career with the aircraft and exhibits surrounding them.

Additional event information is available through the city’s official

Ken “Taco” Cockrell Celebrity Lecture page.

Article Link: See the astronaut lecture details