Honoring Women in Space Tech

Hello everyone! Welcome to today's blog! In honor of women's history month, we will be discussing the growth and achievements women in the STEM field have accomplished. 

Ever since the early times, women have been underestimated in numerous ways. We were always told we belong in the kitchen, or our only job was to stay home and take care of the kids while the men lead themselves to success. People would think that women were the last people to ever accomplish something inordinate and extraordinary. But on June 16, 1963, the world's perspective on women took an immense shift. 

Aboard the Vostok 6 spacecraft, soviet cosmonaut Valentina Vladmirovna Tereshkova officially became the first woman to enter space. Valentina was chosen from a group of five women who had been trained and selected as viable cosmonauts in the Soviet Union. Before becoming a cosmonaut, Valenina was a skydiver, and with the inspiration from her father being a war hero, she decided she wanted to fly in space. As Vostok 6 was orbiting Earth, Vostok 5 was still in action. This marked the second time that two human spacecrafts were in space at the same time. With the shortage of technology, Valentina’s trip was less than three days (two days, 23 hours, and 12 minutes). 

About 20 years later on June 18, 1983, aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger, American astronaut Sally Ride became the first American woman in space. After earning her Ph.D in physics at Stanford University, Sally applied to become an astronaut. Shortly after, Sally got selected in being a part of the first NASA astronaut candidate class to include women and people of color. Sally had many accomplishments during her duration of being an astronaut at NASA. These include, two spaceflights, service on the Rogers Commission, and the founding of  NASA’s Office of Exploration. 

These women, including many more, have led the pathway for the younger generation of women. They showed us that a woman can easily prove the world wrong and accomplish two times more than a man if she has the right motivation and determination. 

Modern-Day Trailblazers

Today, women continue to make significant strides in space exploration. From leading missions to developing cutting-edge technologies, their contributions are shaping the future of space research. The James Webb Space Telescope, for example, has benefited from the expertise of numerous women scientists and engineers who have worked tirelessly to bring this ambitious project to fruition.

Celebrating Achievements

Honoring the achievements of women in space is not just about looking back at the past; it's about recognizing the ongoing contributions of women in the field today. Events like the Celebration of Women in Space at the Kennedy Space Center commemorate the milestones reached by women astronauts and scientists, highlighting their role in advancing our understanding of the universe.

As we celebrate the achievements of women in space, we are reminded of the importance of diversity and inclusion in all fields of endeavor. The stories of these remarkable women serve as a source of inspiration and a call to action for future generations. By honoring their contributions, we not only pay tribute to their legacy but also encourage young women everywhere to reach for the stars.

“The path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it.” - Kalpana Chawla 

Stay Curious, Stay Current

-Eishita Singh