Immediately within the historical past of astronomy, Valentina Tereshkova parachutes into historical past books.
Cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova launched into area on Vostok 6 in 1963. Credit score: Roscosmos
On June 16, 1963, 26-year-old Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova made historical past by changing into the primary lady to journey into area. A former manufacturing facility seamstress, Tereshkova was an completed novice parachutist with over 100 jumps — an important talent, since Vostok cosmonauts ejected earlier than touchdown. Chosen from over 400 candidates in 1962, she underwent months of rigorous coaching, together with weightless flights and jet pilot coaching. Her pioneering mission was virtually three days (48 orbits) lengthy, piloting the Vostok 6 spacecraft with the radio name identify Chaika, or “Seagull.” Years earlier than NASA despatched a person to the Moon, Tereshkova’s flight served as a major political and propaganda victory for the Soviet Union.
