The Women of Artemis
Women are leading the way to achieve this history-making first.
By Kendra Kastelan
Named after the twin sister of Apollo in Greek mythology, NASA’s Artemis puts the work of women at the forefront. The program is focused on establishing a sustainable human presence in deep space, including ultimately landing the first woman on the Moon. Here at Northrop Grumman, women are leading the way to help achieve this history-making first.
The inaugural mission, Artemis I, completed a successful 25-day mission in fall 2022 after the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket launched the uncrewed Orion spacecraft around the Moon, farther than any human-rated spacecraft has gone before. In 2024, Artemis II will take a crew on a similar route to Artemis I, and Artemis III will land astronauts on the Moon for the first time since 1972 — not only the first female astronaut, but also the first person of color.
While women have played pivotal roles in space exploration efforts here in the U.S. for more than 60 years, barriers remained that kept many out of leadership positions until recent decades.
“I’ve seen the industry change over time,” said Sally Richardson, Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) program director at Northrop Grumman. “Women have a seat at the table now, in senior positions here and at NASA, and when we get the first woman to the Moon, it is women in these leadership roles who will make it happen.”
