Celebrating Women in Space: A Tribute to Trailblazing Spacewalkers

As we commemorate the fifth anniversary of NASA astronauts Christina H. Koch and Jessica U. Meir’s historic all-female spacewalk, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the remarkable journeys of women who’ve ventured into the expanse of space. Since the pioneering steps taken by the first woman to exit a spacecraft in 1984, a total of 23 women from four different countries have participated in 61 spacewalks. These courageous women have not only advanced their respective national space programs but have also contributed to international endeavors through their work in space. Their achievements range from satellite servicing and space station assembly to conducting research and testing new spacesuit designs. Since the first woman stepped outside a spacecraft in 1984, there have been four all-woman spacewalks, showcasing the significant role women play in extravehicular activities.



As of October 18, 2024, 79 women have embarked on journeys into space, with 23 of them donning spacesuits from various designs, including the Russian Orlan, American Extravehicular Mobility Unit, China’s Feitian-2, and SpaceX’s innovative spacesuit design. These suits serve as miniature spaceships, providing the necessary protection for the astronauts to perform complex tasks in the harsh environment of space.

Pioneering Women in Spacewalks

The journey of women spacewalkers began with Soviet cosmonaut Svetlana Y. Savitskaya, who made history on July 25, 1984, as the first woman to perform a spacewalk. During her 3-hour and 35-minute excursion outside the Salyut 7 space station, Savitskaya tested a tool for electron beam cutting and welding, marking a significant advancement in space technology.



Just a few months later, on October 11, 1984, NASA astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan became the first American woman to conduct a spacewalk during the STS-41G mission aboard the space shuttle Challenger. Sullivan’s mission involved testing the in-orbit transfer of hydrazine, a key component in refueling systems. The mission was also notable for including Sally K. Ride, making it the first space mission to have two women aboard.

Kathryn C. Thornton, another NASA astronaut, followed in Sullivan’s footsteps, becoming the second American woman to perform a spacewalk in 1992 during the STS-49 mission. Thornton’s contributions were pivotal in testing assembly techniques for the future International Space Station (ISS). She further cemented her place in history by becoming the first woman to undertake multiple spacewalks during the STS-61 mission, which involved servicing the Hubble Space Telescope.

Breaking New Ground at the International Space Station

NASA astronaut Linda M. Godwin became the first woman of any nationality to conduct a spacewalk at the Mir space station on March 27, 1996. Her mission involved installing handrails and space exposure experiments on Mir’s docking module. Godwin later achieved the distinction of being the first woman to perform spacewalks at both Mir and the ISS.



Tamara E. Jernigan, another NASA astronaut, was the first woman to conduct a spacewalk at the nascent ISS during the STS-96 mission in 1999. Her nearly eight-hour mission involved installing various equipment and cranes necessary for the station’s operations.

Susan J. Helms, part of Expedition 2, made history in 2001 as the first female long-duration crew member to conduct a spacewalk. Her record-setting 8-hour and 56-minute spacewalk involved relocating the Pressurized Mating Adapter-3 to facilitate module berthing.



Peggy A. Whitson, a renowned NASA astronaut, holds the record for the most spacewalks conducted by a woman, with a total of 10 excursions. Her first spacewalk took place during Expedition 5 in 2002, where she installed debris shield panels on the Zvezda Service Module. Whitson’s subsequent missions involved a range of tasks from reconfiguring modules to upgrading the station’s power system. Her contributions extended through Expeditions 50 and 51, where she completed four more spacewalks, securing her place as a leading figure in space exploration.

Continued Legacy and Global Impact

The legacy of women spacewalkers continued with notable figures like Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, who completed five spacewalks across two space shuttle missions. Sunita L. Williams, another trailblazer, conducted seven spacewalks, contributing significantly to the ISS’s power and cooling systems.



Nicole P. Stott, Tracy C. Dyson, and Kathleen H. Rubins each added to the rich tapestry of female achievements in space. Dyson’s missions involved critical repairs to the station’s ammonia pump system, while Rubins participated in the installation of international docking adapters and solar array upgrades.

Anne C. McClain, Christina H. Koch, and Jessica U. Meir further broke barriers with their contributions to space exploration. Koch and Meir’s historic all-woman spacewalk on October 18, 2019, was a significant milestone, highlighting the growing presence and impact of women in space exploration.



Wang Yaping, the first Chinese woman to perform a spacewalk, and Samantha Cristoforetti, the first female European Space Agency astronaut to do so, demonstrate the global nature of these achievements. Liu Yang, Jasmin Moghbeli, and Loral A. O’Hara continue to inspire future generations with their groundbreaking work.

Future Prospects

The future of women in space looks promising, with new milestones being set regularly. SpaceX’s Sarah L. Gillis recently made history as the first woman to conduct a commercial spacewalk during the Polaris Dawn mission. As space exploration continues to evolve, the contributions of women will undoubtedly shape the future of humanity’s journey into the cosmos.



The story of women spacewalkers is not just one of individual achievement but a testament to the collaborative and inclusive spirit of human space exploration. As we celebrate these milestones, we look forward to a future where spacewalks by women are a routine part of space missions, reflecting true equality in the final frontier. For more detailed insights and updates, you can refer to NASA’s official website.