Valentina Tereshkova, the Soviet cosmonaut (although technically at the time she was a civilian because she’d only been granted honorary Air Force status) who became the first woman in space when she was sent on a three-day orbit of the Earth in Vostock 6 on June 16, 1963? Later, she went on to have distinguished careers in both the Russian Air Force and Soviet politics. In recent years, she’s even expressed interest repeatedly in being on a manned flight to Mars.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of that milestone of space exploration, human endeavor and woman’s rights, let’s brainstorm a big budget feature about Tereshkova. I’ve even got the perfect title: Chaika! (It was her call sign for the flight. We would have also accepted Seagull!, the English translation of the word.)
Now, who should we cast? I’m made my choice below, but let’s hear from the rest of you.