World Space Week: Other Than Kalpana Chawla, These Women Were The Firsts From Their Nation!

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World Space Week is celebrated in more than 95 nations across the world and is officially defined as “an international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition”.

India has witnessed some of the greatest women leaders who proved their calibre and expertise in the field of technology and space. Thinking of space, the first name that ever strikes most of the desi netizens’ mind is Kalpana Chawla, the first woman of Indian origin to go into space.

But did you know that Valentina Tereshkova was the first and youngest woman to go into space? The Soviet cosmonaut, upon her return, was given the title ‘Hero of the Soviet Union’.

The second woman who had flown to space was also a cosmonaut, Svetlana Savitskaya, who was the first woman who flew to space twice. She was also the first woman to do a spacewalk.

But we often tend to forget about these women and several other female pioneers who became potentates in this field.

This World Space Week, here’s a quick brief about the women who were first in space from other countries.

Claudie Haigneré

She is the first French woman to go into space. She is a doctor, politician and a former astronaut with the Centre National d’Études Spatiales and the European Space Agency.

She commanded a Soyuz capsule during reentry in 1999 and became the first woman qualified to do so. She is also the first woman who visited the International Space Station.

Samantha Cristoforetti

She is the first Italian woman to go into space. She graduated in Aeronautics Sciences, became one of the first women to be a lieutenant and fighter pilot in the Italian Air Force. She is the second Space Camp alumnus in orbit and an astronaut with European Space Agency.

She holds the record for the longest uninterrupted spaceflight by a European astronaut, and she held the record for the longest single space flight by a woman until June 2017.

Helen Patricia Sharman

She is the first British to go into space. She was a former research and development technologist for GEC, London and worked as a chemist for Mars dealing with flavourant properties of chocolate.

She is the first British astronaut, a cosmonaut, and the first woman who visited the Mir space station. She is also the sixth youngest of the 556 individuals (as of 2017) who went into space. She was given the label “The Girl from Mars” by the UK Press.

Anousheh Ansari

She is the first Iranian woman to go into space. She is an engineer and co-founder and chairwoman of Prodea Systems.

She is also the first female Muslim to fly in space. She is the first self-funded woman to fly to the International Space Station and the first person to publish a weblog from space.

Yi So-Yeon

She is the first Korean to go into space. She is an astronaut and biotechnologist, and is the third woman, after Helen Sharman and Anousheh Ansari, to be the first national from their country in space.

She was also listed as one of the Fifteen Asian Scientists To Watch by Asian Scientist Magazine in May 2011.

Jessica Ulrika Meir

She is the first Swedish female citizenship-holder to go into space. She is an American-born NASA astronaut, physiologist and a marine biologist.

Jessica Meir and Christina Koch were the first women to participate in an all-female spacewalk in October 2019. Her name has also been included in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2020. She holds Swedish citizenship under her mother’s country of birth.

Liu Yang

She is the first Chinese woman to go into space. She is a pilot and an astronaut and was from the ranks of fighter pilots.

Roberta Bondar

She was the first Canadian woman to go into space. She was also the second Canadian national to do the same.

Chiaki Mukai

She is the first Japanese woman to go into space. She is a physician and JAXA astronaut and was also the first Japanese citizen to have two space flights.

Sally Ride

She was the first American woman to go into space. An astronaut and physicist, she was the third woman overall to go into space.

Few other noteworthy women:

Yelena Vladimirovna Kondakova

She was the third Soviet/Russian woman to go into space and the first woman to travel for both the Soyuz programme and on the Space Shuttle. She was also the first female Russian cosmonaut to visit the International Space Station.

Sunita Williams

She holds the record of the longest space flight by a woman. She is also the first person to run a marathon in space.

Susan Helms

She is the first woman to be on an ISS expedition crew which lasted from March 2001 until August 2001.

Kathryn Sullivan

She is the first American woman to go on an EVA, i.e., to walk in space.

Mae Carol Jemison

She is an American engineer, physician, former NASA astronaut and the first black woman to fly in space.

Eileen Collins

She is the first woman pilot and commander of a space shuttle. She is also the first astronaut to fly the shuttle through a complete 360-degree manoeuvre.

World Space Week is a reminder to the world that the space industry would have missed a lot without these women pioneers, and that, it is yet to witness a lot more!

Stay tuned to know more about iconic women who shaped Indian history and the ones who are shaping it! #InfanoWomen #WorldSpaceWeek

Featured Image: Various So urces

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Are you tired of worrying about staining your favourite pants when on your period? Or are shifting pads and leaking tampons not allowing you to get a comfortable night’s sleep? Or, perhaps you want to switch to a more environment-friendly and sustainable option, unlike other disposable menstrual products? If you answered yes to any of those above questions, then there are only two words we’d like to say to you: Period Underwear. Yes! Period underwear is the new rage in town – and we must admit, deservedly so.

Now, we understand you’ll have some questions and even some hesitation towards period panties – this is why this article is a must-read. For today, we’ll be diving deep into the world of period underwear and answer all your questions on how they work, how safe and comfortable they are, and ultimately, how reliable.

What Is Period Underwear?

First and foremost, period underwear is not the old granny underwear or nappies from ancient times. In fact, period underwear is much more advanced than that. These are undergarments that are intended for you to wear during your menstrual cycle but minus the pads/ tampons/ cups. They come with extra layers and high-tech fabrics in the crotch area that absorb the menstrual flow and prevent leaks. However, some women tend to prefer a combination of period underwear with their regular menstrual products on days when they experience a heavier flow. But if you have a lighter flow, a period panty can be your only go-to!

How Do They Work?

Typically, period panties are composed of multiple layers, each designed for a specific purpose. These layers and special fabrics work together to wick away moisture from the skin and keep you comfortable, absorb the flow, and finally, prevent any leaks. Making a sudden switch from your regular menstrual product to period underwear can sound risky. Thus, you can always give these panties a trial shot on your lighter flow days or combine them with your pads or tampons. Plus, did we mention that they look and feel like regular underwear? Yes, they are designed in such a way that no one will notice you’re wearing them!

How Long Can One Wear Them For?

Usually, period underwear can be worn for up to twelve hours at a stretch, after which you must change them. Although, this can vary depending on the style of underwear you’ve chosen and your flow. Once the underwear has absorbed about two tampons’ worth of fluid, it’d be a good time to change. You can wash them after – don’t worry, they are easy to wash! And, if you take good care, the underwear can last you for two years and more, making them a highly sustainable and economically viable option.

How Do I Wash Them?

Washing period underwear is pretty much like all your other clothes. Hard to believe? But, it’s true! First, rinse them in cold water till you see clear water. Then, toss them into your washing machine on a delicate cycle with cold water. Remember NOT to add any fabric softener or bleach because that can harm the natural fibres and fabric of the underwear. Let them dry, and voila! They are ready to use again! Usually, these panties can take 24 to 48 hours to dry, so ensure you have a pair or two more for a smooth, mess-free cycle.

Why Make The Switch?

Not only is period underwear safer and more comfortable compared to other menstrual hygiene products, but they are also the need of the hour for the environment. You see, the one-time disposable pads and tampons we’ve been using have had quite an adverse impact on nature. They are filling up oceans and landfills and are highly unsustainable. On the other hand, period panties last longer, generate reduced waste, and are much better for the environment and our planet. Need we say more?

We hope this article has helped answer all the queries that you may have had about period underwear. They are reusable, great for nature, and far more comfortable than a sanitary napkin. Find one that is the right fit for you and suitable for your flow, and you are all set. Here’s a tip: owing to the pandemic, since most of us are currently at home, now would be a good time to give these magic panties a shot. We bet the convenience and comfort will eventually convince you to make them your sole go-to for all periods to come!