Vostok 6 and the First Woman in Space

Date:  June 16, 1963

Vostok 6 was a Russian spacecraft that was the first to successfully carry a woman into space. This woman was Valentina Tereshkova. She was the only Russian woman to go into space until Svetlana Savitskaya 19 years later (Encyclopedia Astronautica). Tereshkova was selected out of a large number of women to go to space. Beforehand, she had a lot of experience with parachuting, and she did work in piloting as well. Her experience qualified her for the job.

“Tereshkova was launched aboard Vostok 6 on June 16, 1963…During the 70.8 hour flight, Vostok 6 made 48 orbits of Earth” (NASA.gov). While onboard, Tereshkova took photographs and maintained a flight log. She was able to control the spacecraft, but received some guidance as well. Her flight went well as she made many orbits around the Earth, and she was able to record more information for the Soviets. The main flight objectives were “Comparative analysis of the effect of various space-flight factors on the male and female organisms; medico-biological research; further elaboration and improvement of spaceship systems under conditions of joint flight” (Encyclopedia Astronautica).

Tereshkova landed about 3 days later, and her flight was recorded as successful. She maintained the spot as the only woman in space until about 20 years later, when another Russian woman was sent into space in 1980.