The fifteenth of 21 ways women have redefined the world: Science and Education

Valentina Tereshkova, Sally Ride, and Mae Jemison each made significant contributions to society, breaking barriers in space exploration and inspiring future generations through their pioneering achievements and dedication to science and education.

Valentina Tereshkova made history on June 16, 1963, as the first woman to fly into space aboard Vostok 6. Her mission marked a significant milestone in the Soviet space program and for women globally. Despite the challenges and risks of early spaceflight, Tereshkova’s successful mission proved that women could endure the rigors of space travel. Her achievement was a major step forward in gender equality, demonstrating that women could contribute equally to the field of space exploration. Tereshkova later pursued a career in politics and public service, advocating for science education.

Sally Ride became the first American woman in space on June 18, 1983, when she flew aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger on the STS-7 mission. As a mission specialist, Ride’s work included operating the shuttle’s robotic arm, which she used to deploy and retrieve satellites. Her journey into space was a pivotal moment for NASA and American society, highlighting the progress toward gender equality in a field traditionally dominated by men. After her time with NASA, Ride dedicated herself to education and science outreach, co-founding Sally Ride Science in 2001.

Mae Jemison made history on September 12, 1992, as the first African American woman to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-47. A physician and engineer, Jemison conducted scientific experiments during her flight, contributing valuable research in life sciences and materials processing. Her achievement broke significant racial and gender barriers, serving as a powerful example of diversity and inclusion in STEM.

Inspired by the story by Sarah Griffin published in msn.com.