mutemuse

Valentina Tereshkova

MUSE OF THE MONTH

 
Artwork by Baé


First woman to travel into space, Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova is #MuseoftheMonth. After 48 orbits and 71 hours on Vostok 6, Tereshkova had spent more time in space than all U.S. astronauts combined to that date. 
 

Valentina Tereshkova (center) after landing © Reproduction/Fotokhronika TASS


The truth is however, Tereshkova and her fellow female cosmonauts were never on equal basis with the ‘regular’ male cosmonauts; with limited flight slots, any woman who flew into space was considered taking place of a man. She had to wear heavy makeup for public appearances, and even married another cosmonaut under pressure from Soviet leaders seeking propaganda advantage during the space race against U.S. 

Despite the barriers, Tereshkova was named the hero of the Soviet Union and was twice awarded the Order of Lenin, the highest civilian decoration. Her legacy continues on today, encouraging women in space regardless of their gender and nationality. 

 

© Fotokhronika TASS/S. Baranov

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