Why Were No Women Chosen to Land on the Moon During the Apollo Missions?

Before the days of political correctness and woke culture, NASA's primary concern was selecting the best candidates possible for the Apollo missions due to the immense cost, risk, and technical challenges involved. At that time, NASA wisely chose test pilots for the Apollo missions, as they were highly skilled and the most qualified individuals for the task.

The Ignorance of Space Syndrome and Physiological Factors

Only one woman had flown in space at the time - Valentina Tereshkova - who is now a Russian MP. She flew on Vostok 6 in 1963 but suffered from a condition colloquially known as 'space sickness.' Due to the limited understanding of this syndrome, which affects approximately 50% of astronauts, it was believed that Tereshkova's physiology was at fault, and women as a group were not suited for spaceflight. This misinterpretation led to a policy of no women in space in the USSR for several decades.

Limited Opportunities and Fighter Pilot Requirements

NASA required pilots to have at least 5000 hours in 'high performance aircraft,' primarily fighters. At the time, the USA did not have female combat pilots, meaning only men met this criterion. These requirements significantly limited the pool of candidates, making women less likely to be selected for the missions.

The Logistical Challenges

Even when female astronauts were eventually selected, NASA was initially unprepared for the unique logistical challenges posed by female astronauts. For instance, when Sally Ride went into space in 1983, she was asked if a hundred tampons would be enough for a week. This question highlights how NASA was unprepared to accommodate female astronauts' needs, particularly in terms of gender-specific requirements in space travel.

The Apollo capsules were incredibly small, and there was a real concern about the practicalities for female astronauts. For instance, how would a woman manage menstruation or use the bathroom during a space mission? These issues were not adequately addressed in the initial planning stages, although they were eventually resolved as space travel evolved.

Changing Policies and Opening Opportunities

The Soviet Union and NASA both took time to change their policies regarding women in space. The Soviet Union's 'no women in space' policy was not until much later, and even then, it took over thirty years for this policy to change. NASA, however, continued to present significant obstacles due to its training and mission requirements, which took many years to adapt to accommodate female astronauts.

Now, both NASA and Europe have taken steps to ensure that female astronauts play a significant role in future missions. NASA has decided to select a woman for Artemis 3, and Europe has selected a woman as a candidate for its first Moon missions, possibly during Artemis 6 or 7.

Conclusion

The reasons no women were chosen to land on the Moon during the Apollo missions are complex. The absence of qualified women test pilots, combined with the physiological and logistical challenges, contributed to the decision. However, it is important to recognize that these decisions often reflected a lack of opportunities for women in the field of space exploration rather than an inherent lack of ability. Over time, these challenges have been addressed, paving the way for greater inclusivity in future space missions.