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Today in History: Valentina Tereshkova becomes first woman in space

6/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 16 June 1963, Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova launched aboard Vostok 6, becoming the first woman to travel in space. At 26, she completed 48 Earth orbits over nearly three days, the only solo female spaceflight and the youngest woman ever to orbit the planet.

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Story summary

On 16 June 1963, Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova launched aboard Vostok 6, becoming the first woman to travel in space. At 26, she completed 48 Earth orbits over nearly three days, the only solo female spaceflight and the youngest woman ever to orbit the planet.