The great feat of the United States in placing the first man on the moon is unprecedented. The achievement of this achievement, has marked a profound before and after in science and technology. However, it should not overshadow other historical milestones, such as the also relevant anecdote 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?
You may also be interested in our article: Get to know the last three space launches and their projects!
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 back then. She stood out for being a passionate cosmonaut and engineer, with impeccable personality and political knowledge. In this sense, she participated in great satisfactory moments for her country, 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 the year 1963, he was given the chance to pilot and command the Vostok 6. A spaceship intended to fly in space around planet 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 even thinking about being a successful cosmonaut, She belonged to a textile factory, working as a factory worker. Who would have thought that, some time later, she would become the first woman in space, holding a rewarding title for 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 became engrossed in the fact that The United States was a capitalist, racial and discriminatory country. At that time, the North American country was experiencing one of its most marked racial crises of the time.
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. Being chosen under strict terms of abilities and attitudes, 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 programme, was dedicated to creating the basis for manned space flight. Human biology is known to undergo severe changes when it leaves Earth, in view of 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.
Lastly, the Vostok program, in which Valentina Tereshkova piloted one of her ships, made it possible to consolidate another type of premise. It was based on data collection 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 main link so that the presence of women in space became more common. The enthusiasm that she generated in the female gender 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 cosmonaut from the North American country to equal the feat performed by her namesake of the Soviet Union. In 1983, he bravely boarded the space shuttle Challenger, heading to do his job. This feat occurred at a time when the space race was still red hot.
Peggy Whitson, an unprecedented career
Without any doubt, everything that represents the woman in space is also due to Peggy. She has held the position of Commander of the International Space Station twice, during her two expeditions. Without a doubt, 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.