The font of all knowledge, Cecil Adams, recently tackled this question in his Straight Dope column.
Using a number of reliable sources, Cecil discussed many of the fears which kept women out of the space program for many years (See Valentina Tereshkova - See Mercury 13). While some of those fears may have been reasonable, we know that part of the problem was also the attitude of a male dominated industry.
As Cecil also points out, although women face some unique challenges in space flight, in other ways they have an advantage over their male counterparts. Be sure to read the Straight Dope column to learn more and for a full answer to the question. Straight Dope is one of the readings with which I start every day.
Two related questions which many people have deal with How to Go to the Bathroom in Space and Sex in Space. I wrote an article on the first question of How to Go to the Bathroom in Space and reviewed the fantastic book by Laura Woodmansee titled "Sex in Space. Check them out.
Image: Former Russian astronaut Valentina Tereshkova holds her World Connection Award at the Women's World Award at Congress Center June 9, 2004 in Hamburg, Germany.
Credit: Sean Gallup/Getty Images
With commander Chris Ferguson and pilot Eric Boe at the controls, space shuttle Endeavour descended to a smooth landing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The STS-126 crew members concluded their successful mission to the International Space Station when the shuttle touched down at 4:25 p.m. EST.
Do you need to buy a gift for someone who has an interest in astronomy or space exploration? Here's some great information to have on hand before going to the store or retail website to purchase gifts with an astronomy or space twist. We've divided them by type of recipient.
The first STS-126 spacewalk ended at 8:01 PM EST last night. STS-126 mission specialists Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen worked outside the station Tuesday for the first of the mission's four spacewalks. Spending six hours and 52 minutes outside the station, the pair worked on several tasks including removing a depleted nitrogen tank from a stowage platform and moving it into Endeavour's cargo bay then replaving it. They also moved a flex hose rotary coupler from the shuttle to the station stowage platform, as well as removing some insulation blankets from the common berthing mechanism on the Kibo laboratory. Another task included the start of cleaning and lubrication of the starboard solar alpha rotary joint.