History Daily: The First Woman In Space

This episode of "History Daily" recounts the story of Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space. Driven by the Soviet Union's desire to win the space race and showcase national pride, Tereshkova, a young parachuter, was selected and underwent rigorous training. Despite facing skepticism and challenges, she excelled and was chosen for the mission. On June 16, 1963, she launched into orbit, spending nearly three days in space and becoming a global hero. Although her flight was a significant achievement, it was followed by a decline in women's involvement in space programs for both the Soviets and the Americans until decades later. The episode concludes with Tereshkova's later advocacy for greater female participation in space exploration, emphasizing the importance of women's contributions to the future of space travel.