Ohio’s place in space history reaches far beyond its borders − and its atmosphere.
In honor of World Space Week, Oct. 4-10, we’re revisiting the astronauts with Ohio ties whose stories The Columbus Dispatch has shared throughout 2026.
The annual observance celebrates the contributions of space science and technology to improving life on Earth. This year’s theme is “Rocket Revolution,” highlighting the changing ways people reach and explore space.
For the Dispatch, celebrating Ohio’s space pioneers has been a yearlong undertaking. As part of our America 250 coverage marking the nation’s 250th anniversary, reporters have explored the lives, careers and legacies of astronauts connected to the Buckeye State.
Which astronauts has the Dispatch featured?
Our coverage so far has featured:
- Jim Lovell
- Robert Springer
- Judith Resnik
- Nancy Currie-Gregg
- John Glenn
- G. David Low
- Neil Armstrong
- Gregory Harbaugh
- Charles Bassett
- Michael Good
- Carl Walz
- Donn Eisele
Their stories
offer a closer look at the people behind some of the country’s most remarkable missions and the Ohio connections that helped shape their journeys.
Whether you’ve followed the series from the beginning or are catching up this week, explore our coverage to learn more about Ohio’s role in space exploration. More astronaut stories are planned as the Dispatch’s America 250 project continues through the end of the year.
Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: It's World Space Week. Get to know Ohio astronauts in Dispatch stories
