About
Svetlana Savitskaya is a Russian former aviator and Soviet cosmonaut who achieved several milestones in space exploration. In 1982, she flew aboard Soyuz T-7, becoming the second woman in space. During her 1984 Soyuz T-12 mission, she became the first woman to fly to space twice, and the first woman to perform a spacewalk. Savitskaya's accomplishments have solidified her place in the history of space exploration.
Career Timeline
Second Woman in Space
Became the second woman to fly into space aboard Soyuz T-7.
First Female Spacewalker
Became the first woman to perform a spacewalk during the Soyuz T-12 mission.
Political Career Begins
Elected as a People's Deputy of the Soviet Union.
Engineering Professor
Became a professor at Moscow Aviation Institute.
State Duma Deputy
Elected as a deputy in the Russian State Duma.
Continued Duma Service
Continued her service as a deputy in the State Duma, focusing on social issues.
Retired Cosmonaut & Politician
Remains a respected figure in Russia as a retired cosmonaut and former politician, focusing on space advocacy.
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Last updated: February 23, 2026