Colonel Anne McClain, a U.S. Army colonel and seasoned helicopter pilot, recently conducted a successful spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) alongside fellow astronaut Major Jessica Ayers. This milestone spacewalk was the third of McClain’s career. She labored to get the ISS ready to receive a series of new solar panels and to move an antenna on the 420-kilometer-high complex.
The story of the mission played out after a 2019 defeat. Instead, Colonel McClain was unable to participate in the first all-female spacewalk when there weren’t enough medium-sized suits available. Before exiting the station during her most recent spacewalk, she noticed strands of string on the index finger of her right glove. This important finding led Mission Control to temporarily stop the activity to make sure her glove was not compromised.
Preparing for New Challenges
Colonel McClain and Major Ayers dedicated nearly six hours to their task outside the ISS, demonstrating their commitment to advancing space technology. Their work has become increasingly critical to enhancing the station’s capacity. NASA is preparing for its next missions, like the Artemis program—an endeavor to send astronauts to orbit the moon as soon as next year.
Both women are vital players in a major-league field that is mostly run by men. Their partnership shows how crucial it is to include diverse representation in space exploration. Last March, Colonel McClain was launched to the orbiting laboratory to relieve two stuck astronauts. As a military officer and pilot, she goes on to shatter ceilings throughout her professional life.
A Warm Welcome
When Colonel McClain came back from the spacewalk, she received a much warmer welcome. He was greeted enthusiastically by the commander of the space station, Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi. Then, as for all of us, came the hard part, the reality that she was home.
“We are so happy to have you back, and your dinner is ready so don’t worry about it.” – Takuya Onishi
This camaraderie among astronauts underscores the unique culture of support aboard the ISS, where collaboration and teamwork drive innovation and achievements.
Looking Ahead
Today, Colonel McClain is one of seven astronauts stationed aboard the ISS. She embodies not just her nation, but the growing role of women in space science and exploration. Her upcoming mission, as part of the Artemis program, will only serve to further cement her status as a trailblazer in this burgeoning field.
