As of today, six women made history by going into space on the Blue Origin New Shepard Mission, NS-31. Blue Orgin is owned by Jeff Bezos.
When it comes to space exploration, the final frontier has often felt like a boys’ club, where the cool kids wore shiny suits and floated among the stars. However, recent history has shown us that women are not just supporting characters in this cosmic drama; they are taking center stage, even for 11 minutes. Let’s dive into the stellar achievements of women in space and the significance of this brief yet impactful journey.
A Brief History of Women in Space…
Before we discuss those 11 minutes, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. The first woman in space was Valentina Tereshkova, who launched aboard Vostok 6 in 1963. She orbited Earth 48 times over three days, proving that women could handle the rigors of space travel just as well as their male counterparts. Fast forward to the present, and we’ve seen women like Sally Ride, Eileen Collins, and Mae Jemison break barriers and inspire generations.
11 Minutes of Brilliance…
Fast forward to the 21st century, where space tourism is no longer a pipe dream but a thriving industry. In July 2021, Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket successfully carried its first crew to the edge of space for an 11-minute joyride. Among the passengers was Wally Funk, a pioneering aviator and member of the Mercury 13, a group of women who underwent astronaut training in the early 1960s but were not selected for space missions.
Funk’s 11-minute flight was not just a personal triumph; it was a statement. At 82 years young, she became the oldest person to reach space, demonstrating that the stars aren’t just for the young and adventurous but also for the seasoned and wise. This monumental moment served as a testament to the resilience and tenacity of women facing adversity, reminding us that space is a place for everyone.
On Monday, April 14th, six remarkable women traveled to space. The 11-minute trip crossed the Kármán line, (an imaginary boundary separating Earth’s atmosphere and outer space), offering weightlessness, and landed safely in Texas, advancing science and empowerment.
These women are celebrities and they are noteworthy figures.
Aisha Bowe is a former NASA rocket scientist who holds a degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan and a master’s in space systems engineering.
Kerianne Flynn is a documentarian known for her acclaimed work, “This Changes Everything,” which offers a historical perspective on women in Hollywood.
Gayle King is a media personality and the host of CBS This Morning. She is a broadcast journalist and Oprah’s best friend.
Amanda Nguyen is a bioastronautics research scientist and a Harvard University graduate. She has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy work for survivors of sexual violence.
Katy Perry is a pop star and one of the most sought-after performers ever. She has over 115 billion streams and has been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards.
Lauren Sanchez is an author and journalist who has worked at numerous news stations. She is a helicopter pilot and the founder of Black Ops Aviation. Her children’s book, “They Fly Who Flew to Space,” was a New York Times bestseller. She is engaged to Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and Blue Origin.
Enough said.
Why 11 Minutes Matter….
So, what’s the big deal about 11 minutes? It’s a blink of an eye in the universe’s grand scheme. However, in those fleeting moments, Funk experienced weightlessness, gazed at the curvature of the Earth, and reclaimed a piece of history that had long been denied to her. This trip was about more than just a quick jaunt into the cosmos; it was about recognition and validation.
1. Breaking Stereotypes: The journeys of women like Funk challenge the notion that space travel is exclusively a male endeavor. They pave the way for future generations of women to aim high.
2. Inspiring Future Astronauts: Funk’s achievement is a beacon for young girls everywhere. It conveys the message that they can aspire to be astronauts, scientists, engineers, or whatever else their hearts desire.
3. Highlighting Inequality: This brief flight also illuminates the historical inequalities that women have faced in the space program. It emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging and addressing past injustices.
The Future is Bright…
As we look to the future, the significance of women in space continues to grow. NASA has announced plans for the Artemis program, which aims to land the first woman on the moon by 2024. With ongoing missions to Mars and beyond, the stars are indeed within reach for future female astronauts.
While 11 minutes may seem like a short time to some, for Wally Funk and countless women in space exploration, it represents a lifetime of dreams, struggles, and triumphs. As we celebrate these moments, let’s remember that every minute spent in space brings us closer to equality, understanding, and a universe where everyone can reach for the stars, regardless of their gender. In the end, space is not just for the brave; it’s for the bold, and women are prepared to take on the cosmos, one mission at a time.
Oh well, I would be scared to death in this political climate to take a space ride. Trump might impose a tariff on the aircraft and not allow it to come down. After all, the spacecraft is owned by Jeff Bezos.
The ladies wore Monse Blue Origin designer space suits in blue. But honestly, I would be worried about my hair and makeup and whether my body would be the same.
Go girls. I salute you.
Bravo.
