It all started when Helen Sharman heard a radio advertisement that said they were looking for an astronaut, no experience required. She applied, beat out 13,000 applicants, and became the first British person to travel to space! Ilham speaks with Helen about her incredible journey from a young chemist to becoming an astronaut; how she had to believe not only in herself but also her team; her love of chemistry and science; and the discipline it took to make her dreams a reality.
In May 1991, Helen traveled to the Mir Space Station and spent eight days orbiting the Earth. The mission, called Project Juno, was a cooperative arrangement and would enable the UK to send one of its people into space for the first time. During her time at the Mir space station, she conducted a variety of experiments including medical and agricultural tests, protein crystal growth and how new materials perform in the environment outside the space station. Since her return from space, Helen has been heavily involved in communicating science and its benefits.
Timestamps
01:40 - Upbringing and love of chemistry
05:24 - Becoming an astronaut
08:23 - Focus on the journey
10:13 - Flying into space
13:58 - Looking down at earth
16:46 - Reliance on her team
19:55 - Not being defined by gender
24:46 - Sustainability in space
31:03 - When will humans get to Mars?
33:56 - Advice for next generation of scientists and explorers
37:40 - What can businesses learn from space exploration
40:40 - Interest in music
43:17 - Love of nature
For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/en/podcast
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