The United States' great feat of putting the first man on the moon is an unprecedented event. This achievement marked a profound turning point in science and technology. However, it should not overshadow other historical milestones, such as the equally significant story of the first woman in space.
At a time when women were displaced to the background behind men, this fact represented a revolution. For sure, she found that women are equally prepared for great challenges and that not only men are suitable. Therefore, it also marked a turning point in the history of mankind. So who was this woman?
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Valentina Tereshkova and her feat as the first woman in space
Born on March 6, 1937, in the former Soviet Union, Valentina Tereshkova was a symbol for her nation at the time. She distinguished herself as a passionate cosmonaut and engineer, with an impeccable personality and political acumen. In this capacity, she participated in many significant and successful moments for her country, always giving her best.
She was completely dedicated to her career, fascinated by the advances in science and with a clear intention. She, she knew that not only men were capable of standing out, but women as well. Based on that thinking of hers, she fought until she was selected among more than 400 candidates to go to space, standing out for her passion and intelligence.
Source: Google
Therefore, in June of 1963, he was given the opportunity to pilot and lead Vostok 6, a spacecraft designed to fly around the Earth to explore it more effectively.
Thanks to this, she was given the honor of being the first woman in space, an anecdote that meant a total revolution in the field. Likewise, she changed her life forever, taking an extraordinary turn.
Before she even dreamed of becoming a successful cosmonaut, she worked as a factory worker in a textile factory. Who would have guessed that, years later, she would become the first woman in space, holding a title that was quite prestigious at the time?
The Vostok program and the first woman in space. How did this premise come about?
During the events of the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union fought with their best weapons to achieve greater dominance. Being bitter rivals, both wanted to achieve victory beyond the political or technological realm, but also social.
Based on this, the Soviet Union seized upon the fact that the United States was a capitalist, racially biased, and discriminatory country. At that time, the United States was experiencing one of its most pronounced racial crises of the era.
Immediately afterwards, the Soviet Union amassed its policy on inclusion and social equality. So much so that the Vostok space program included the first woman in space. In that way, the United States, at least from a social point of view, would sink even lower.
At just 26 years old, Valentina Tereshkova was selected with honors to lead this project. Chosen based on strict criteria of ability and attitude, she accepted the challenge, piloting the Vostok 6 spacecraft.
Results of the interstellar journey of Valentina Tereshkova
Valentina Tereshkova did not just go for a walk in space. In fact, she was part of a series of space investigations that, to date, have been relevant. The first of them was based on the understanding of the behavior of the human body in the absence of gravity.
Indeed, the Vostok program was dedicated to laying the groundwork for manned spaceflight. It is known that human biology undergoes significant changes when it leaves Earth, due to the absence of gravity and other factors.
Even the trip of the first woman in space served as a total resolution to the problem of space food. The astronauts suffered constant changes and dietary regimens, in order not to affect the ship's systems or their own lives. However, through the contribution of these space missions, a unique and unequivocal consensus was reached.
Finally, the Vostok program, in which Valentina Tereshkova piloted one of its spacecraft, allowed for the consolidation of another type of premise. This premise was based on the collection of data on the operation of space navigation systems.
Through them, science in general and not only the Soviet one, managed to advance with respect to the development of ships. Magnificent data was obtained that represented a turning point in space technology. Without them, most likely the growth of the aerospace industry would have taken longer than necessary to explode as it really should.
The presence of women in space. Meet other prominent names!
Source: Google
Valentina Tereshkova was the key figure in making women's presence in space more commonplace. The enthusiasm she generated among women for astroscience was overwhelming. From that moment on, many other women decided to emulate her great feat.
Sally Ride, American Pride
Sally was the first American astronaut to match the feat achieved by her Soviet counterpart . In 1983, she bravely boarded the Space Shuttle Challenger, embarking on her mission. This achievement occurred at a time when the space race was still raging.
Peggy Whitson, an unprecedented career
Without a doubt, everything that women represent in space is also thanks to Peggy. She has held the position of Commander of the International Space Station twice, during her two expeditions. Undoubtedly, she is an example of true dedication, merit, and total effort.
Walking in the void, Svetlana Savitskaya
As the last in the ranking of influencers, Svetlana took a more courageous and adrenaline-charged step compared to her peers. She became the first woman to spacewalk in a vacuum. Selected to perform this extravehicular activity, she met expectations to the letter.
