Space4Women, a project of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, serves as the gateway to space, bringing its science and technology to women everywhere. However, recent efforts show that progress is being made and NASA has pledged that, by 2024, it will put the first woman on the Moon. As of 2021, the number of women employed in the international space industry represents up to 22 % of the workforce, roughly the same ratio as 30 years ago. The United Nations (UN) reports that only around one in five space industry workers are women. To date, women make up just over 10 % of human space travellers. While large strides have been made, there are still barriers to women’s equal participation in the space industry where they remain a minority. Narratives from extraordinary women like Dr Magnus continue to inspire other women to pursue careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and empower them to navigate the workplace of the future. The idea just stuck: ‘I’m going try and be an astronaut.’ So I tried and I made it – fortunately.” Shooting for the stars In retrospect, Dr Magnus reflects on her dream being fulfilled and her mission accomplished: “I’m a very curious person and flying in space was the way to express that part of me and engage. To date, women make up just over 10 % of human space travellers. She was then awarded the NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 2012, recognizing her sustained contributions to its programmes and initiatives. Awarded the NASA Space Flight Medal in 2002, 20, she also earned the highest distinction that may be bestowed by the agency, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, in 2009. Acting as the deputy chief of the Astronaut Office was her last duty at NASA.ĭr Magnus left the agency after being appointed as Executive Director of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the world’s largest aerospace technical society. She also served at the NASA headquarters in the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate. From then on, the sky’s the limit.Īt age 31, Dr Magnus joined the NASA Astronaut Corps and flew a total of three shuttle missions, spending more than 150 days – nearly half a year of her life – living in space. The former astronaut earned degrees in physics and electrical engineering and later obtained a PhD in materials science and engineering, which was supported by a fellowship from the NASA Lewis Research Center. I wanted to be on the edge of what we can do as human beings.” Fuelled by her desire to go to space, she knew access to education was key. Just like the rest of us when we were young, Dr Magnus had a dream: “I wanted to fly in space, I wanted to explore, and I wanted to see the Earth from orbit. One of these trailblazers in the space industry is the distinguished former NASA astronaut Dr Sandra Magnus whose achievements continue to inspire the younger generation to create a brighter future for women. History has shown how women have already made their mark in exploring what the universe has to offer. Without gender equality today, a sustainable future for all will remain beyond reach. Advocating for women to be equal players is crucial if we are to achieve gender equality.
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