Nasa astronaut at centre of ‘sexism’ claims over all-female spacewalk speaks out
'Leaders must make tough calls, and I am fortunate to work with a team who trusts my judgement'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Nasa astronaut who had to pull out of Nasa's first ever all-female spacewalk has said that she recommended that the major milestone did not go ahead.
Anne McClain was scheduled to make history as part of the first ever team made up only of women to make journey out into space. But the historic moment was cancelled because there weren't enough spacesuits available to fit the two women, and so McClain had to be replaced by a man.
The decision led to condemnation from around the world, including from Hillary Clinton, who suggested that Nasa should be able to make another spacesuit. But McClain said the decision had been made in contact with her.
The 39-year-old originally thought a large-sized spacesuit would be fit for purpose, but following a spacewalk last week decided that a medium would be safer.
"This decision was based on my recommendation," Ms McClain tweeted from aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
"Leaders must make tough calls, and I am fortunate to work with a team who trusts my judgement.
"We must never accept a risk that can instead be mitigated. Safety of the crew and execution of the mission come first."
There is more than one medium-size spacesuit torso on board the ISS, Nasa explained, but it would not be able to make it available in time for Friday.
To date, spacewalks have all been entirely male-led or a mix of male and females, but never all-female.
The space agency has not stated when it will try again to make an all-female spacewalk happen.
Additional reporting by agencies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments