Short Wave Finally, An All-Female Spacewalk
Oct 22, 2019
NASA made history with the first all-female spacewalk, a milestone 35 years after the first American woman ventured into space. Astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir share their exhilarating experiences and discuss how this moment advances gender representation in space. The podcast also highlights the unique challenges women face with space equipment designed primarily for men, emphasizing the need for better inclusivity. Experts stress the importance of diversity in space exploration, calling for systemic change in the industry.
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Canceled Spacewalk
- A planned all-female spacewalk got canceled because only one medium-sized spacesuit was available.
- Social media users, including Hillary Clinton, criticized NASA's decision.
Long Overdue
- Ellen Stofan, former chief scientist at NASA, believes the 35-year gap between the first female spacewalk and the first all-female spacewalk is excessive.
- She emphasizes women's capabilities and points to opportunity and equipment as the limiting factors.
Space Sisters Interview
- Maddie Sofia interviewed astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir before the all-female spacewalk.
- Koch and Meir, close friends and "Space Sisters," expressed excitement about their shared experience in space.
