Even Space Embraces Diversity

By Dan

Ten years ago today, Colonel Eileen Collins led a shuttle mission to deploy a $1.5 Billion x-ray telescope called the Chandra observatory into space. Missions to space happen all the time, so why is this particular instance so important? Well, Colonel Collins was the first female commander to lead a space mission. She is a great example for young girls who are interested in science but are worried that it might seem too “geeky” or too much of a male-dominated field.

The Chandra observatory is a sister satellite to the Hubble Space Telescope and is named after Novel Prize winner Subrahamyar Chandrasekhar.

If there’s a girl in your life who is interested in learning more about science, check out our SciGirls program. It’s a great way for girls to meet peers who share the same interests and to build self-esteem.