Washington, D.C. – Far above our atmosphere, NASA Astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir stepped outside the International Space Station on Friday—the first-ever all-female spacewalk.
President Donald J. Trump called them from the White House during their historic mission, marking the first time since 1969 that an American President has spoken to our astronauts while they were outside their spaceship.
“I just want to congratulate you both. You’re very brave, brilliant women, and you represent this country so well,” the President said. “Our country is very proud of you.”
During the call, the astronauts praised all the female pioneers who came before them and made this incredible moment possible. “There has been a long line of female scientists, explorers, engineers, and astronauts, and we have followed in their footsteps to get us where we are today,” Dr. Meir said.
“We hope that we can provide an inspiration to everybody [who] has a big dream and that is willing to work hard to make that dream come true,” she added. “Something that all of us that have made our way up here have done all throughout our lives. And I can tell you, the hard work certainly did pay off.”
In photos: President Trump calls in for the first all-female spacewalk.
President Trump: This is a “first step”—the next stop is the Moon.
