Pioneers of Space Flight

Women have performed many roles in space missions, including piloting spacecraft and conducting scientific research in space. Piloting a spacecraft requires experience in flying in combat or in high-performance experimental aircraft in order to execute many delicate orbital maneuvers once in space. Mission specialists including Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, and Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in space, participated in experiments and mechanical operations. Women have continued to break new ground in the aerospace field, and to make giant leaps forward in all spheres of science, engineering, math, and technology.