AIAA Statement on NASA’s Historic First All-female Spacewalk Written 18 October 2019
CONTACT: Michele McDonald
703.264.7542
michelem@aiaa.org
Astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir completed repairs on the ISS
October 18, 2019 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) congratulates NASA Astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir on their successful completion of NASA’s first all-female spacewalk. The pair replaced the power regulator on the International Space Station, which had been in operation since 2000.
“This historic all-female spacewalk highlights the art of the possible that diverse talent brings to the aerospace community and our nation’s top challenges,” said Booz Allen Hamilton’s Jandria Alexander, Chair of the AIAA Diversity and Inclusion Working Group. “It’s a testament to not only the courage and professionalism of Christina Koch and Jessica Meir, but to the impact diverse perspectives, talents, and backgrounds can have on critical missions in the future.”
Emily Kusulas, chair of the AIAA Women of Aeronautics and Astronautics (WoAA) committee, said: "Such a momentous achievement in spaceflight will help propel our mission to inspire the next generation of aerospace students and show that diverse teams can tackle complex problems. We want to encourage young students to pursue careers in the aerospace industry and show that the field is bright and accessible to all."
AIAA Executive Director Daniel L. Dumbacher added, “This is an important milestone for space exploration, demonstrating the value of diversity in addressing complex problems such as maintaining the performance of the International Space Station. NASA is leading the way in using the skills and capabilities of everyone on the team. The Artemis program, which will include putting the first female astronaut on the moon, will test the best of all of us. AIAA members are proud to be a part of this future in space, working with the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group and the Women of Aeronautics and Astronautics Committee.”
About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 85 countries, and 95 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit www.aiaa.org, or follow us on Twitter @AIAA.
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American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
12700 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 200, Reston, VA 20191-5807
Phone: 703.264.7558 Fax: 703.264.7551 www.aiaa.org