NASA Makes History With First All-Female Spacewalk
Over the last 35 years, just 12 American women have set foot into space.
At 7:38 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, astronauts Jessica Meir and Christina Koch strapped on their space suits and left the safe harbor of the International Space Station.
While this might sound like a routine day in the life of an astronaut in space, it’s actually a historic moment for women at NASA and across America — Koch and Meir conducted the first all-female spacewalk in history.
This comes at a time when NASA’s female representation is under scrutiny. Currently, women make up only about a third of NASA’s workforce, 28 percent of senior executive leadership positions and 16 percent of senior scientific employees, according to an internal survey.
You can watch the spacewalk here:
Koch and Meir stepped out today to replace a charge-discharge unit that "regulates the charge to the batteries that collect and distribute solar power to the orbiting lab’s systems," according to NASA.
NASA originally announced the all-female spacewalk with Koch and another astronaut, Anne McClain, earlier this year. Unfortunately, though, that project was shelved due to a lack of appropriately sized spacesuits.
Over the last 35 years, just 12 American women have set foot into space. The first woman to go on a spacewalk was Russian cosmonaut Svetlana Savitskaya in 1984.
In a news conference about the spacewalk, Meir and Koch spoke about the historic nature of their mission.
"I think it’s important because of the historical nature of what we’re doing and that in the past, women haven’t always been at the table," Koch said. "It’s wonderful to be contributing to human spaceflight at a time when all contributions are being accepted, when everyone has a role and that can lead, in turn, to increased chance for success."
Hot Photos
Teresa, The Gorgas and Carmen Electra Get Sexy for Early Halloween Party
Jennifer Lopez Spotted in Stunning Wedding Gown on Set of Marry Me
David Harbour and Lily Allen Make it Red Carpet Official
Wendy Williams Honored with Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
True Thompson is 'Obsessed' with Baby Cousin Psalm
Kelly Ripa Goes Makeup Free at The Salon
Miley's Reaction to This NSFW Photo with BF Cody Simpson is All of Us
Ben Stiller Shares Spotlight with Daughter Ella on Red Carpet
Thomas Rhett and Lauren Were Our Couple of the Year at CMT Artist of the Year
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' First Pic of Newborn Daughter Comes with a Twist
Suzanne Somers Strips Down to Her 'Birthday Suit' for 73rd Birthday
Kylie and Stormi Get Festive For Fall
Scarlett Johansson Shows Off Her Iconic Back Tattoo at Jojo Rabbit Premiere
Kate Middleton's Regal Looks From The Duke and Duchess' Official Pakistan Visit
Regina King SLAYS at HBO's Watchmen Premiere
Dorinda Medley Is All About 'Self Love' Going Makeup Free 'at 55'
Kevin Smith Reunites with Joey Lauren Adams at Jay and Silent Bob Reboot Premiere
Farrah Abraham Shows Off Her Latest Physical Enhancement
There Was a Dawson's Creek Reunion at DWTS' Disney Night
The Women in Hollywood Step Out in Style for ELLE Event
Jennifer Aniston Officially Joins Instagram With This Instantly Classic Selfie
Stars Honored With Hand and Footprint Ceremony Ahead of Jay and Silent Bob Reboot
John Travolta Reunited With 'Look Who's Talking' Costar for Wife's Birthday
Power Of Women Event Brings Out Big Names on International Day of the Girl
Source: Read Full Article