Geekspace for Women

Posted by ubergeeke on June 18th, 2008 in blogpost

After last week’s breakfast with Sunita Williams, I have been understandably more interested in the accomplishments of women astronauts. With that in mind, I’d like to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first woman in space.

On June 18th, 1983, Sally Ride launched into space along with the rest of the crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger. Her story is amazing, and not just the space aspect of it. How many people can say that they got involved in the space program by answering a newspaper ad? With a PhD in Physics, and as one of the original developers of the robotic arm, Ride was more than a pioneer, she was - and is - an inspiration. (More information about Sally Ride is available here.)

Twenty-five years later, NASA celebrated its 50th woman in space when Peggy Whitson, as part of Expedition 16, headed for the International Space Station. Whitson just completed over six months on the ISS, breaking Sunita Williams’ previous record for most spacewalks in the process, and has an outstanding career of her own with a doctorate in Chemistry, substantial mission experience with NASA, and extensive scientific research both on earth and in space. (More information about Peggy Whitson is available here.)

Be sure to read about the careers and accomplishments of these women. Great stuff! And happy anniversary to Sally Ride, NASA, and all of us who have benefited by seeing women in space!