Story perspectives

Helen Sharman Becomes First Briton in Space, 8-Day Mir Mission

5/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Helen Sharman (astronaut) became the first Briton in space on 18 May 1991, spending eight days aboard Mir for Juno.
After private British sponsors withdrew, Moscow-Narodny Bank funded the mission.
She was selected from 13,000 applicants and, as a finalist, trained at Star City with Volvas and a Ford Escort.
Sharman befriended cosmonauts, received a pink jumpsuit from Alexei Leonov (cosmonaut), and was hailed by the UK government as symbol of cooperation.

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Story summary

Helen Sharman (astronaut) became the first Briton in space on 18 May 1991, spending eight days aboard Mir for Juno.
After private British sponsors withdrew, Moscow-Narodny Bank funded the mission.
She was selected from 13,000 applicants and, as a finalist, trained at Star City with Volvas and a Ford Escort.
Sharman befriended cosmonauts, received a pink jumpsuit from Alexei Leonov (cosmonaut), and was hailed by the UK government as symbol of cooperation.