Women in Space: 'Exciting to See Renewal of French Women in Space'

More than six decades after thirteen pioneering women demonstrated they could meet the same demanding physical tests as America's first male astronauts, gender equality in space exploration remains an unfinished journey. Laurène Delsupexhe, a chemical propulsion engineer at the European Space Agency, explains the progress and persistent challenges in an interview with FRANCE 24. Delsupexhe traces the history from the institutional exclusion of the Mercury 13 to the renewed ambitions of NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars. She highlights the remarkable advancements made by women in space but also notes the barriers that remain. The interview explores the importance of role models, the need for inclusive policies, and the exciting developments that suggest a new era for women in space exploration.