Throughout history, the undeniable physical disparities between men and women have served as a basis to justify gender prejudices that favor men. The attributes of greater strength, height, and body mass have consistently worked to the benefit of the male sex. In the field of space research, women have been quite advanced. The female astronaut can be just as competent as a man, this is proven by science.
Therefore, in this article we are going to tell you the reasons why a woman can be an astronaut and some of the most important feats of women in relation to space research.
Reasons why women make good astronauts
The era of survival of the fittest may be nearing its end, if logic and science are implemented on a cosmic scale. Based on extensive research and data collected from NASA space expeditions, it has been determined that an all-female crew for a space mission would possess numerous advantages over an all-male crew . These advantages can be categorized into four key factors: two related to physical capabilities, one related to character traits, and the fourth focused on the future objectives of space missions.
They are people with a smaller size
Research has conclusively shown that sending a team of smaller individuals into space is simpler and more cost-effective than sending a larger group. Women, in general, tend to have a smaller physical frame, giving them a distinct advantage. One of the key benefits of a woman's body is its ability to thrive on fewer resources, including food and oxygen, while simultaneously producing less waste that requires fewer resources for disposal. These findings were confirmed through experiments conducted by Kate Greene, a participant in a four-month simulated mission by NASA.
Less likely to experience physical problems
One might assume that selecting a crew based solely on size would suffice. However, once again, the evidence refutes this notion. Another reason why an all-female crew might be advantageous is that women's bodies appear to withstand the physical effects of space travel better. Prolonged missions through the magnetic shield can lead to various physical ailments, including an increased risk of cancer, disorientation, weakened immune systems, and vision problems.
Through exhaustive medical examinations conducted by the US space agency, it has been discovered that while men may experience less motion sickness, they also tend to suffer more severe hearing and vision impairment compared to women. The impact of climate change on space exploration can also be considered in this line of research, since the physical adaptation of female astronauts is key to future missions.
Better long-term social skills
However, beyond the physical realm, extensive historical expeditions have yielded data highlighting additional advantages for women . While an all-male team is more likely to successfully complete a short expedition, POT data indicates that the social skills demonstrated by a group of women undertaking a prolonged mission increase their chances of success.
Populating the universe plays a fundamental role
Finally, we come to a currently unlikely but nonetheless thought-provoking reason. If a future mission were to focus on colonizing a new planet and take into account the aforementioned factors, it would always be more advantageous to send an all-female crew. It is clear that while men play a crucial role in the reproductive process, their physical presence is not necessarily required . Moreover, the female body retains the unique capacity to nurture life within it.
Teams made up of people from diverse backgrounds
To put it succinctly, it seems that many years remain before our species ventures into interplanetary colonization. However, if we undertake such an endeavor, it is wise to consider factors beyond individual intelligence. Extensive research on group dynamics has consistently demonstrated that diverse teams produce optimal results. Therefore, while there is data that favors the inclusion of women, there are also findings that support the notion that mixed-gender teams perform more effectively.
Some feats of women in space
She was the pioneer woman who ventured into the field of space exploration
With a unique approach, Russia distinguished itself by sending Valentina Tereshkova, a 26-year-old Russian cosmonaut, into space in 1963, making her the first woman to achieve this remarkable feat.
During his heroic journey aboard the Vostok 6 spacecraft, he completed 48 orbits around Earth over the course of three days, cementing his status as a leading figure of the space age.
Frances "Poppy" Northcutt has the distinction of being the pioneering engineer on NASA's Apollo program and is the only woman to serve in mission control during the historic Apollo 8 mission in 1968.
His contributions extended to the Apollo missions, specifically Apollo 10, 11, and 12. Additionally, he played a crucial role as a member of the engineering team responsible for rescuing the Apollo 13 astronauts from a life-threatening situation caused by a tank explosion. of oxygen.
First American female astronaut
Sally Ride made history in 1983 as NASA's first female astronaut to embark on a journey to space. The Space Shuttle Challenger served as the vehicle for this groundbreaking achievement.
Sally Ride faced a unique line of questioning that had never been directed at any other astronaut in history. She was asked about her emotional response to difficulties in the flight simulator, the potential impact of the trip on her fertility, her personal desires to have children and even the suitability of 100 tampons for a mission. space of a week. Additionally, she was questioned about her decision to wear makeup to space.
