Women in space, is it truly equal?

'Women in space, is it truly equal?' This is what many have argued about for many years now, due to how little women are valued and seen in such a career path. According to NASA records, as of November 2024, only 100 women have completed spaceflights since the beginning of space exploration back on April 29th, 1961. This is a significant difference compared to the 299 men and many more who may begin to explore space and it is due to the lack of influence women have in technology. On the eve of International Women's Day this is ludicrous!

This inequality is evident with the space suits alone that were initially designed for men, which caused a problem for NASA's all-female spacewalk in 2019. The mission was cancelled because the suits did not fit the female astronauts. This affected many opportunities women have in such important things. Building on this, many people do not know about famous women who work in space such as Sally Ride who was the first woman to go to space in 1983 but was still undermined for her achievement. During her interview, her journey to such a formidable event was long forgotten as the interviewers only wished to hear about what make up she would take and if she would cry. This meant that women were unable to learn how to achieve such an incredible goal and it also caused uncertainty for young girls with their dreams to travel into space. Many of today’s female astronauts and scientists cite her as an inspiration but back during this time it seemed frowned upon and avoided in a traditionally male-dominated field. This highlights the inequality that women face over such huge historical events in space industries and how it is evidently proves the inequality for such things.

So, when thinking of the question 'Women in space, is it equal?' it is clear that in this current time it is not. This however can be improved as women begin to enter the world of science and engineering and begin to influence how technology is made to help improve it to fit both men and women. This would allow more opportunities for women in the space industry as they can now be at less risk for space travel and have such saftey. It will also show such true changes can change history to being equal for both men and women. And so, it is true that women in the space industry are not equal, but it is only for this period of history as the world changes in technological advancement.