Women in Aerospace

For this week’s , we celebrate Jessica Meir, astronaut, physiologist, and explorer whose career has advanced both scientific research and human spaceflight.

Jessica earned a Ph.D. in marine biology from Scripps Institution of Oceanography and built an impressive research career studying how animals adapt to extreme environments. Her work took her from Antarctica to underwater habitats, examining the physiological adaptations that enable survival in some of Earth’s harshest conditions.

Selected as a NASA astronaut in 2013, Jessica launched to the International Space Station in 2019 as part of Expedition 61/62. During her mission, she spent more than 200 days in space, conducting scientific research, supporting station operations, and contributing to experiments that will help inform future exploration missions.

In October 2019, Jessica and fellow astronaut Christina Koch made history by participating in the first all-female spacewalk. The milestone represented decades of progress in human spaceflight and highlighted the critical contributions women continue to make across the aerospace industry.

Throughout her career, Jessica has demonstrated a passion for discovery, interdisciplinary science, and exploration. Her work bridges biology, physiology, and spaceflight, helping expand our understanding of both life on Earth and humanity’s future beyond it.

Applications are OPEN for the 2026–2027 WIA Foundation Scholarships — but don’t wait, the deadline to apply is June 16! 🚀

The WIA Foundation is proud to offer four $5,000 merit-based scholarships to women pursuing careers in aerospace. If you're a rising junior or senior in college studying engineering, math, or science, this opportunity could be for you.

Take the next step toward achieving your dreams in aerospace and submit your application before the June 16 deadline.

Learn more and apply here:
https://www.womeninaerospacefoundation.org/foundation/

Today, we celebrate National Women in Aerospace Day!

On this day, we honor the countless women whose innovation, leadership, and determination have shaped aviation, human spaceflight, engineering, science, and the future of aerospace.

May 20th commemorates the anniversary of Amelia Earhart’s historic solo transatlantic flight and serves as a reminder of the trailblazers who continue to inspire future generations to reach beyond the horizon. Women In Aerospace is proud to celebrate the pioneers, changemakers, and future leaders advancing our industry every day.

For this week’s hashtag , we celebrate Anita Sengupta, an aerospace engineer, entrepreneur, and innovator whose work has advanced planetary exploration, aerospace systems, and sustainable aviation technologies.

Anita earned both her M.S. and Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the University of Southern California before beginning her career at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. There, she became the lead systems engineer for the parachute system used during the landing of the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover in 2012, helping ensure one of the most complex and successful Mars landings in history.

She also led development and testing of the NASA Orion spacecraft drogue parachute system used for Artemis program re-entry missions, contributing to the future of human deep-space exploration. Later, Anita served as project manager for the Cold Atom Laboratory aboard the International Space Station, a groundbreaking quantum physics facility enabling experiments at temperatures near absolute zero in microgravity.

In addition to her engineering accomplishments, Anita is a passionate science communicator and educator. She has delivered TEDx talks, keynote addresses, podcasts, and media appearances around the world, helping make aerospace and emerging technologies more accessible to the public. She also serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor of Astronautical Engineering at USC and is a member of the United Nations Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition.

Anita’s career reflects the power of combining technical excellence, entrepreneurship, and public engagement to shape the future of aerospace and sustainable technology.

WIA loves sharing our trailblazers every Tuesday. As we get ready to celebrate Women in Aerospace Day, tell us who inspires you! Post a pic, tag a mentor, shout out an ally, and use the . We want to hear from you!

Women have always helped shape the future of flight and space exploration, and now their contributions are being formally recognized nationwide.

Last December, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee and Congressman Mike Haridopolos introduced a bipartisan resolution designating May 20th as National Women in Aerospace Day. The date honors the anniversary of Amelia Earhart becoming the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean, a milestone that continues to inspire generations of women in aerospace.

From aviation pioneers to astronauts, engineers, scientists, and leaders across the industry, we celebrate the women whose achievements continue to expand the frontiers of aerospace.

For this week’s , we celebrate Karen Nyberg, an engineer, astronaut, and STEM advocate whose work has advanced space exploration and inspired future generations of innovators.

Karen earned degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of North Dakota and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin before joining NASA in 1998. During her early career, she contributed to research in human factors and astronaut equipment design, helping improve how astronauts live and work in space.

Selected as a NASA astronaut in 2000, Karen flew on two space missions, including a long-duration expedition aboard the International Space Station. Over the course of her career, she logged more than 180 days in space and contributed to scientific research, robotics operations, and station maintenance that supported ongoing human spaceflight efforts.

Karen also became widely recognized for sharing the creative and human side of life in space. From educational outreach to sewing and crafting aboard the ISS, she connected audiences around the world to the everyday experiences of astronauts and helped make STEM more accessible and relatable.

Throughout her career, Karen has been a strong advocate for science education and encouraging young people, especially girls, to pursue careers in engineering and aerospace.

Women In Aerospace is pleased to share an invitation from Arizona State University and LA Times Media Group for the upcoming Aerospace & Defense Summit on May 15 in El Segundo, CA.

This executive-level event will bring together leaders from across government, industry, and research to discuss the future of aerospace innovation, national security, space policy, and more.

Featuring senior voices from NASA, Ernst & Young, Millennium Space Systems, and others, plus a special conversation with the Mayor of El Segundo, the summit offers valuable insights and high-level networking opportunities.

📍 NantStudios, El Segundo, CA
🔗 Learn more: https://www.latimes.com/b2b/events/aerospace
🎟️ Tickets: https://www.tixr.com/groups/latimes/events/2026-aerospace-defense-summit-175865?_gl=1*1f4s5ji*_gcl_au*NzkwODYwMjc1LjE3NzQzMDIxODM.*_ga*MjcxNzQ3NzQxLjE3NTA2OTc5MDM.*_ga_FB5D97VJNM*czE3NzYzNjUwNjUkbzU5MSRnMCR0MTc3NjM2NTA2NSRqNjAkbDAkaDA.

For this week’s , we celebrate Jacqueline Cochran, a pioneering aviator whose record-breaking achievements and leadership helped shape the future of aviation.

Jacqueline rose to prominence in the 1930s as one of the most skilled and daring pilots of her time. Over her career, she set more speed, altitude, and distance records than any other pilot, male or female, and became the first woman to break the sound barrier in 1953.

During World War II, Jacqueline played a critical leadership role as the founder and director of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program. Through this initiative, she led more than 1,000 women pilots who flew non-combat missions, ferrying aircraft, towing targets, and supporting vital operations that freed male pilots for combat duty.

Beyond her aviation achievements, Jacqueline was a strong advocate for women in flight, continuously pushing for greater opportunities and recognition for female pilots. Her leadership and vision helped pave the way for women to serve in aviation and aerospace roles at all levels.