Diversity and Culture

Summary

The article is based on astronomy and space travels where Jessica Watkins, an American astronaut is to make history in being the first Black woman to travel to space and stay for a long time. Although there have been other Black women who have travelled to space in the past, all have stayed for short periods of time. Jessica is to travel to space and live and work for a long period of time in the space. In April 2022, Watkins will join NASA astronauts Kjell Lindgren and Robert Hines, as well as ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti. Less than six months before her six-month trip to the International Space Station, NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps was suddenly replaced. According to the Washington Post, Epp’s brother blamed racism for NASA's quick crew turnover. NASA provided no explanation for the adjustment. Watkins was picked as the mission's commander as part of NASA's multibillion-dollar Artemis program. By 2025, NASA hopes to send the first woman and person of color to the moon (Chow, 2021).

Contribution to science

The article describes human activities aimed at space exploration and determining the ability of other planets to support life. This is related to science in that it seeks to identify various features in other planets and their application towards the support of life.

Contribution to diversity

Diversity is evident in the article as there is the issue of racism and the need to ensure inclusion of minorities in major projects. One evidence of improvement in diversity is on the issue of inclusion of Jessica Watkins in a space project despite a Black woman being replaced from a space crew on basis of racism. Diversity is therefore evident through inclusion of all members of the society.

Reference

Chow Denise (2021). Jessica Watkins to be first Black Woman on International Space Station Crew. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/jessica-watkins-first-black-woman-international-space-station-crew-rcna5861