The first female astronaut in space is Valentina Tereshkova, a Soviet cosmonaut who flew on June 16, 1963. Tereshkova flew aboard Vostok 6 and orbited the Earth 48 times during her mission, which lasted almost three days. She was chosen from more than 400 applicants, showcasing her strong background as an amateur skydiver, which contributed to her selection. Tereshkova's groundbreaking mission made her an international icon and a symbol of women's abilities and contributions to space exploration. Her achievement paved the way for future generations of female astronauts and remains a significant milestone in the history of aeronautics.