Grand County Library District/Courtesy photograph
As we rejoice Girls’s Historical past Month, it’s important to acknowledge the exceptional achievements of ladies who’ve ventured past our planet. Amongst these trailblazers are the ladies astronauts who defied gravity, shattered glass ceilings as they had been actually launched into the celebs of the universe and expanded our understanding of the cosmos.
The period of ladies in house started on June 16, 1963, when Soviet cosmonaut Valentina V. Tereshkova launched aboard the Vostok 6 spacecraft for a three-day mission, turning into the primary girl to orbit Earth. She truly orbited earth 48 occasions. Her braveness and dedication paved the best way for future generations of feminine astronauts around the globe.
Again in the US, Katherine Johnson, a superb mathematician and physicist, performed a pivotal position in NASA’s early house missions. Her exact calculations ensured the success of missions like John Glenn’s orbital flight and the Apollo moon landings. Regardless of going through racial and gender discrimination, Johnson’s dedication and mind broke down boundaries.
Take a look at the guide and the DVD “Hidden Figures: The American Dream and Untold Story of the Black Girls Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Area Race” by Margot Lee Shetterly, which immortalized her story together with Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson.
Practically 20 years handed earlier than one other girl flew into house. In January of 1978, NASA introduced the number of 35 new astronauts, together with six ladies, for the house shuttle program. These ladies —Sally Experience, Judith A. Resnik, Anna L. Fisher, Kathryn D. Sullivan, Shannon W. Lucid, and Rhea Seddon —made historical past by difficult stereotypes and proving that house exploration was not restricted by gender. They carried out experiments, repaired satellites and impressed numerous younger women to achieve for the celebs.
Learn the rave reviewed “The Six: The Untold Story of America’s First Girls Astronauts” by Loren Grush, printed in 2023.
In 1992, Dr. Mae Jemison soared into house aboard the Area Shuttle Endeavour, turning into the first African American girl to take action. An achieved doctor, engineer and dancer, Jemison exemplified the spirit of exploration.
Dr. Peggy Whitson holds the report for the longest cumulative time spent in house by an American. Her a number of missions aboard the Worldwide Area Station, also referred to as the ISS, reveal resilience, adaptability and scientific curiosity.
In 2019, Christina H. Koch and Jessica Meir made historical past through the first all-female spacewalk. Their collaborative efforts outdoors the ISS symbolized progress and unity. As they floated within the vacuum of house, they carried the hopes of numerous ladies who dream of exploring the cosmos.
Have fun these extraordinary ladies who defied norms, challenged stereotypes and expanded our cosmic horizons. Whether or not via engineering, scientific analysis or house exploration, they proceed to encourage us all.
Go to the Grand County Library District’s catalog at GCLD.org to discover extra sources about these exceptional ladies and their journeys. Let their tales ignite curiosity and propel us towards a future the place the celebs are inside attain.
