From the first steps in the space race, its development, and going through such iconic moments in history as the Mercury Program 13 or Apollo 11, the domain of space, the moon and the exploration of other planets, has fallen mainly on men . But even if it is, phenomenal famous women astronauts have made their way in history, who have made their contribution to the development of science, research and exploration. Today in Supercurioso we tell you about some of them. Can you come with us? Well, let’s get started!
The World’s Most Recognized Famous Women Astronauts
It is no secret to anyone that we live in a system that has been leaving out the great women of the world, which does not mean that women have stopped demonstrating their talent. They have even managed to excel in the most important areas of science and human culture. This is the case of many great women like Mary Astell, the first English feminist, or also the case of many feminist philosophers like Simone de Beauvoir. And also at NASA there are many women who have stood up for their gender, overcoming all prejudices and demonstrating the capabilities they have to go as far as anyone. After all, it is not about women and men, but about each person’s ability to exploit the talents that they possess.
Showcasing these famous female astronauts is not only a way to celebrate their great contributions, which should be done as well, but also a way to show girls today what they can achieve if they put their minds to it, and open the doors to their dreams. . You can dream big, you can reach space, even the sky is not the limit. So now you know, if someone tells you that you can’t, and especially if they tell you that you can’t because you are a woman, you can show these great women astronauts, and you can also put all your effort and talent into showing that limits do not allow you. reach. Now yes, we are going to delve into these great women in the history of aeronautics.
1. Valentina Tereshkova
We begin our journey with the first female astronaut, Valentina Tereshkova. At just 26 years old, she became the first woman to conquer space, where she stayed for about 48 hours and orbited the earth 3 times. During her stay in space, Tereshkova dedicated herself to doing different experiments to study the effects of space on the human body.. Tereshkova’s conquest occurred in the 1960s, in the midst of the Cold War and in the midst of the space race led by the two great world powers, the USSR and the United States. Tereshkova’s achievement became a step forward for the USSR, as this extinct power propelled the first of these female astronauts.
2.Sally Ride
The next among the famous female astronauts, she was the second to reach space. She was the American Sally Ride. She is known not only for her merits at NASA, but also for having dedicated herself much later to children’s literature, an area in which she developed several books dedicated to space, where she encourages children to believe in themselves and in everything they can. achieve if they set their minds to it. During his space missions, Ride became the first person to use a robotic arm to retrieve a space satellite. Among her achievements, she is also recognized for her work to encourage girls to believe in their abilities and their ability for science. She is undoubtedly one of the great women astronauts in history.
3.Mae Jemison
Mae Jeminson was the first African-American astronaut in the state, changing the conception of space travel. Jemison joined NASA in 1987 and 5 years later she became the first black woman to transit outer space, a milestone in space history. He traveled as a mission specialist, and during his trip he conducted an experiment on bone cells in space.
4.Carmen Felix
The next on our list is the first Mexican female astronaut. This is Carmen Felix. She was born in Sinaloa, in 1985. She studied Electronics and Communications Engineering (IEC) at the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey Campus Monterrey. She then did a Master’s in Space Science at the International Space University (ISU). She worked as an intern in the Small Satellites Department at NASA AMES, and also participated in the creation of the Mexican Space Agency (AEM). Her story has inspired many Mexican women and girls.
5.Christina Koch
Christina Hammock Koch is the next famous female astronaut we want to mention to you. She has been an American NASA astronaut since 2013. She studied Electrical Engineering and Physics at North Carolina State University. She also completed a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering at the same university. She has developed an excellent career, in which milestones such as the fact that she holds the record for the longest flight time for a woman, with 328 days in space.
6.Kayla Barron
Kayla Barron is another of the Americans who has developed a career as an astronaut at NASA. She studied Systems Engineering at the United States Naval Academy, and then an MS in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Cambridge. Among her career achievements is that was part of the NASA SpaceX Crew-3 mission to the International Space Station. In it he spent 177 days in orbit.
7.Jessica Watkins
The next of the famous female astronauts is Jessica Watkins. Her career has been quite remarkable. She led her own research on the placement of mechanisms in large landslides on Mars and our planet. She was also a collaborator at the Mars Science Laboratory on the Curiosity rover project, and participated in NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4 mission to the International Space Station.
8. Tracy Caldwell Dyson
Tracy Caldwell Dyson joins the list of famous female astronauts. This American is one of the veterans of NASA. She started her career in 1998. Since then she has participated in projects such as the construction and implementation of electronics and hardware for the study of atmospheric gas phase chemistry. Too has investigated chemical ionization methods for the spectral interpretation of trace compounds. He has spent more than 188 days in space, including 22 hours in three spacewalks.
9.Megan MacArthur
This North American studied Aerospace Engineering, and also did a PhD in Oceanography. Among the milestones of her career is that she was a specialist on the STS-125 mission, the last one directed towards the Hubble Space Telescope. Too worked as a pilot of the SpaceX Crew Dragon and NASA’s SpaceX Crew-2 mission in 2021.
10.Anna Kikina
And we close our tour of famous female astronauts with the story of Anna Kikina, who is Russia’s only active member among contemporary female astronauts. In her career, the fact that she is part of the Roscosmos space agency stands out. She is also the fifth Russian woman to visit the International Space Station with SpaceX’s Crew-5 mission.
And you, Did you know these famous female astronauts? Would you like to be like them? How do you think space history will evolve in the future? Don’t you wonder how astronauts live in space? And what would it be like to live on Mars? Leave us your opinion in the comments, we will be looking forward to reading you! And if you want a little more inspiration and positive feminism, don’t miss this selection of the best strong women phrases. Until next time!