As one of humanity’s most ambitious endeavors, space exploration started as a male-dominated field. However, contributions of women have become increasingly significant. Here are some of the incredible women who made history in space.
The First Woman in Space: Valentina Tereshkova (USSR)
Number of Spaceflights: 1
Missions and Dates: Vostok 6, June 16–19, 1963
Space Program: Soviet Space Program
Valentina Tereshkova was not just the first woman in space; she was also the first civilian astronaut, having been a textile factory worker and amateur skydiver prior to her selection as a cosmonaut. Her mission aboard Vostok 6 was historic, orbiting Earth 48 times and gathering valuable data on the impact of space travel on the female body. After her mission, Tereshkova became a symbol of Soviet achievement and women’s capabilities in STEM fields.
Tereshkova received numerous awards, including the Order of Lenin and Hero of the Soviet Union. She became a prominent political figure, serving as a member of the World Peace Council and the Soviet Parliament. Her influence extended beyond space exploration, as she became a role model for young women aspiring to careers in science, technology, and politics.
Breaking Boundaries: Sally Ride (USA)
Number of Spaceflights: 2
Missions and Dates: STS-7, June 18–24, 1983; STS-41-G, October 5–13, 1984
Space Program: NASA
Sally Ride broke new ground when she flew aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger for mission STS-7, becoming the first American woman in space. During her missions, she operated the robotic arm to deploy and retrieve satellites, setting an example for women in technology and engineering. After her second flight, STS-41-G, she served on the investigation panels for both the Challenger and Columbia Space Shuttle disasters, lending her expertise to improve the safety of future missions.
Ride’s contributions extended beyond her time in space. She founded “Sally Ride Science,” an organization aiming to inspire young people in STEM, particularly girls. She authored several books aimed at encouraging children to explore science. She passed away on July 23, 2012 from pancreatic cancer, but her legacy of inspiration and advocacy continues.
A Permanent Presence: Eileen Collins (USA)
Number of Spaceflights: 4
Missions and Dates: STS-63, February 2–11, 1995; STS-84, May 15–24, 1997; STS-93, July 22–27, 1999; STS-114, July 26–August 9, 2005
Space Program: NASA
Eileen Collins’ list of accomplishments is long and distinguished. She was the first female Space Shuttle pilot, serving on STS-63 and STS-84. On STS-93, she became the first female Space Shuttle commander, responsible for deploying the Chandra X-ray Observatory, one of NASA’s “Great Observatories.” Her last mission, STS-114, was the first “Return to Flight” mission following the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, marking a significant milestone in the history of space travel.
Collins has received numerous awards and honors, including the Harmon Trophy, a decoration usually reserved for exceptional pilots. After retiring from NASA, she has continued to advocate for space exploration, education, and the inclusion of women in STEM fields. Her experience in manual flight maneuvers and leadership during critical missions has made her a subject of study and admiration in aerospace circles.
Space and Research: Chiaki Mukai (Japan)
Number of Spaceflights: 2
Missions and Dates: STS-65, July 8–23, 1994; STS-95, October 29–November 7, 1998
Space Program: NASDA (now JAXA)
Chiaki Mukai brought a unique perspective to space exploration with her medical background. Her first mission, STS-65, included multiple experiments on space physiology, contributing valuable data to the understanding of the human body in microgravity. Her second flight, STS-95, also involved extensive research, particularly on the cardiovascular system. Mukai’s research contributions have been essential for understanding the long-term health impacts of space travel on astronauts.
After her missions, Mukai took on a leadership role at JAXA, the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency. She has also engaged in educational outreach, encouraging the next generation of scientists and astronauts in Japan and around the world. Her influence extends beyond her own missions, as she continues to shape the objectives and methodologies of future space exploration.
A European Milestone: Claudie Haigneré (France)
Number of Spaceflights: 2
Missions and Dates: Cassiopée, August 17–September 2, 1996; Andromède, October 21–31, 2001
Space Program: European Space Agency (ESA)
Claudie Haigneré made her mark as a European astronaut by participating in two important missions. Her first spaceflight was aboard the Russian space station Mir, where she conducted biological and medical experiments. Her second mission, Andromède, made her the first European woman to visit the International Space Station, where she again carried out extensive scientific work, including experiments in physiology and material science.
After her space career, Haigneré turned to politics and public service, serving as France’s Minister for Research and New Technologies from 2002 to 2004, and later as Minister for European Affairs. She has also been involved in various educational and advocacy roles to promote science and space exploration across Europe. Her multi-disciplinary expertise makes her a versatile and influential figure in both the scientific and political landscapes.
Record-Breaking Endurance: Peggy Whitson (USA)
Number of Spaceflights: 3
Missions and Dates: Expedition 5, June 5–December 7, 2002; Expedition 16, October 10, 2007–April 19, 2008; Expedition 50/51, November 17, 2016–September 3, 2017
Space Program: NASA
Peggy Whitson is a name synonymous with endurance and excellence in space exploration. With a cumulative time of 665 days in space, she holds the U.S. record for the most time spent in space by any astronaut. She also commanded the International Space Station twice and completed ten spacewalks—the most by any female astronaut. Her contributions to science have spanned numerous disciplines, from biology to Earth science, and her research is considered foundational for future long-duration missions.
Whitson has received multiple prestigious awards, including NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal and the title of Time magazine’s “Top 100 Most Influential People.” After retiring from active duty, she continued to work as a consultant for NASA and as an advocate for space exploration and STEM education. Her inspiring journey and incredible achievements have made her one of the most influential figures in the history of spaceflight.
From the early days of Valentina Tereshkova to the enduring contributions of Peggy Whitson, women have played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of space and our capabilities to explore it. They have served not just as astronauts but as scientists, commanders, and influencers. Each one left a legacy that extended far beyond their time in orbit.