Svetlana Savitskaya, a Russian former aviator and Soviet cosmonaut, etched her name in history on July 25, 1984. This day, she became the first woman to perform a spacewalk, embarking on an extraordinary extravehicular activity (EVA) outside the Salyut 7 space station. For nearly three hours and 35 minutes, Savitskaya soared through the cosmos, marking a monumental achievement for women in space exploration.
During her time outside the station, she engaged in the remarkable task of welding metals alongside her fellow cosmonaut, Vladimir Dzhanibekov. This feat demonstrated the exceptional skills and capabilities of women in the demanding field of space exploration.
Savitskaya’s passion for flying ignited in her childhood. Her father, a decorated fighter pilot in World War II, instilled in her a deep love for the skies.
Her accomplishments extend far beyond her historic spacewalk. In 1982, she flew aboard Soyuz T-7, becoming the second woman in space after the trailblazing Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova. Her 1984 Soyuz T-12 mission solidified her place in history as the first woman to fly to space twice and the first woman to perform a spacewalk.
Savitskaya’s dedication to aviation and her remarkable skills were evident early on. By the age of 22, she had already accumulated over 400 parachute jumps, demonstrating her courage and expertise. She also achieved the highest honor in the world of aerobatics by claiming the top spot at the World Aerobatic Championships.
Throughout her career, Savitskaya broke barriers and set new standards. She established 18 international world records while piloting MiG aircrafts and secured three records in team parachute jumping. Her mastery of the skies extended to piloting over 20 different types of aircraft.
As a testament to her extraordinary legacy, an asteroid bears her name. It is aptly called 4118 Sveta, a celestial tribute to the pioneering spirit of this remarkable woman who soared to new heights in aviation and space exploration.
