Up until recently, space exploration has largely been attributed to the scientific accomplishments of men. But in recent years, through biopics, documentaries, and films that feature the women in STEM, there's been a shift in the discourse.
Getty Images | Andreas Kuehn
NASA To Make History With All-Female Spacewalk During Women's History Month
If you're unfamiliar with spacewalks, here's a little run-down.
NASA
According to NASA, a spacewalk is defined as "any time an astronaut gets out of a vehicle while in space."
And by "vehicle" they mean spaceship, or space station.
Getty Images | SVF2
Also known as an EVA, or extravehicular activity, the first spacewalk was done by Alexei Leonov in 1965, as pictured above.
These days, astronauts go on spacewalks outside of the International Space Station, where they can last between five to eight hours.
NASA
The reasoning behind these expeditions into the icy outside of space vehicles can vary.
This time around, an all-female team will be participating in the spacewalk, just in time for Women's History month.
Unsplash | Nicola Gypsicola
But what's even more exciting is that this team will tackle the challenge around the 54th anniversary of the very first spacewalk, on March 18th.
On March 29th, Anne McClain and Christina Koch will venture outside the International Space Station to conduct work on the craft.
NASA
They will be supported by a female-forward staff on the ground as well, including Mary Lawrence, and Kristen Facciol who will guide the expedition as lead flight director and lead spacewalk flight controller.
There are currently no details around the purpose of their EVA, but there ARE assumptions.
Twitter | @Infinity_Flt87
According to NASA, most spacewalks are conducted to carry out experiments, test equipment, or repair satellites or crafts. It's easy to assume one of these three will be the driving force behind the walk.
Kristen Facciol recently shared her excitement over the announcement of their project.
Twitter | @kfacciol
"Here's hoping this will be the norm one day!" she added.
We can't wait to hear more details about this fierce female spacewalk!
Although the announcement of this project aligns so well with Women's History Month, a spokesperson for NASA was clear that it “was not orchestrated to be this way” and “assignments and schedules could always change.”
But, like Kristen, we're looking forward to a future where projects like this are the norm, not the exception.
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