On March 29, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will conduct its first all-women spacewalk just before Women’s History Month comes to a close. The moment, which entails tending to mechanical concerns, will be carried out by two astronauts, Axios reports, noting that Christina Koch and Anne McClain were part of NASA’s astronaut class of 2013, which was comprised of 50 percent women.
The organization also notes this moment was “not orchestrated to be this way,” but it’s still a memorable instance in space history. The two astronauts will call the International Space Station (ISS) their temporary home near the end of this month.
Keeping in line with highlighting women in space, NASA previously honored mathematician Katherine Johnson with a facility named after her. The 100-year-old’s career story was depicted in the award-winning 2016 film Hidden Figures.
“I am thrilled we are honoring Katherine Johnson in this way as she is a true American icon who overcame incredible obstacles and inspired so many,” a statement from NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine reads. “It’s a fitting tribute to name the facility that carries on her legacy of mission-critical computations in her honor.”
In February 2017, the first Latina in space was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame. Ellen Ochoa, who’s been a part of NASA’s fabric since 1988, also became the eleventh director of the organization’s Johnson Space Center (JSC).
