May 20

Simon Fraser was a fur trader and explorer who helped expand the North West Company's operations in North America. He led the first recorded descent of the Fraser River to its mouth in present-day British Columbia in 1808. Fraser navigated hundreds of miles of uncharted territory, mapping river courses and establishing trade routes. He founded Fort George (later Prince George) and played a key role in developing the Pacific Fur Trade. His journeys provided valuable information on the geography and indigenous peoples of western Canada. Despite challenges such as rapids, snow, and disease, he completed his mission successfully. The Fraser River, one of Canada's major waterways, remains a lasting legacy of his explorations.

Colonel Thomas Akers joined NASA as a mission specialist and flew aboard STS-41, STS-49, and STS-61, contributing to satellite deployments and in-orbit repairs. He logged over 700 hours in space, including the first spacewalk to capture and repair a stranded satellite. Akers holds degrees in mechanical engineering and has worked on aerospace research projects. After leaving NASA, he transitioned to academia and industry, sharing his expertise with the next generation of engineers and astronauts.