Let's make this birthday one to remember.

72 years old (Born on August 17, 1952)

Happy Birthday, Kathryn Thornton! You've soared through space four times—clearly proving that gravity just can't hold you down. From floating effortlessly aboard NASA shuttles to guiding future engineers at the University of Virginia, your career has truly been out-of-this-world.

As Dean and physicist extraordinaire, you've inspired countless students with wisdom brighter than a supernova. May this birthday be filled with laughter lighter than zero-gravity antics—and cake that's astronomically delicious!

Here's wishing another stellar orbit around the sun for someone who continues to defy limits both on Earth and beyond. Keep shining bright—you've always had star quality!