In the dynamic field of Space exploration, women continue to push past the limits of science and technology. These trailblazers are influencing the future of humanity beyond Earth by spearheading ground-breaking expeditions and creative research. This article highlights 10 outstanding women whose contributions to space technology are revolutionising our knowledge of the universe.

1. Dr Sarah Al Amiri - Leading the Arab World to Mars

Dr Sarah Al Amiri, the UAE's Minister of Education, was the Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency. She led the Emirates Mars Mission successfully launching the Hope Probe in 2020. With this historic mission, the UAE became the first Arab country to enter Mars' orbit. Going beyond the mission, she promotes science education and encourages young women in STEM throughout the Middle East.

2. Dr Swati Mohan – Leading Perseverance to Mars

Dr. Swati Mohan supervises the Guidance, Navigation, and Control Systems Engineering group at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). She was the Guidance and Controls Operations Lead for NASA's Perseverance Rover mission, launched in 2021. She was instrumental in the rover's successful landing on Mars and in guiding it across the difficult terrain of the planet so that it could carry out cutting-edge studies on the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

3. Dr Kathryn Sullivan: From Space Heights to Ocean Depths

As a NASA astronaut, Kathryn Sullivan made history by being the first American woman to go outside and do a spacewalk. She became the first female to reach the Challenger Deep, the lowest point in Earth's seas. Her two accomplishments, which link oceanography and space exploration represent an intriguing addition to environmental studies and Earth observation systems. Currently, Dr. Sullivan is a Senior Fellow at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies and a member of the President’s Council at Resources for the Future (RFF).

4. Dr Katie Bouman – Seeing the Unseen

Dr. Katie Bouman is an associate professor in  Electrical Engineering and Computing and Mathematical Sciences (CMS) at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Her contributions to computational imaging have earned her recognition. The group of scientists led by Dr Katie Bouman developed the algorithm that made it possible to take the first image of a black hole in 2019. Since then, numerous technologies used in deep-space observation and space telescopes have been influenced by her computational imaging research. In terms of data processing and interpretation, it has given astronomers additional options. In 2024, she was awarded a Sloan Research Fellowship, recognizing her contributions to the field.

5. Jessica Meir – Expanding Human Presence in Space

Jessica Meir's studies on physiology in harsh environments—both on Earth and in space—have earned her recognition. She advanced knowledge essential for upcoming long-duration missions, including possible Mars journeys, by contributing to human biology experiments during her six-month stay onboard the International Space Station. As part of NASA's Artemis program, she is now getting ready for future lunar missions.

6. Dr. Jennifer Trosper – Innovating Mars Rovers

Dr. Jennifer Trosper has been a key player in the creation and operation of the Mars rovers Spirit, Opportunity, and Perseverance throughout her more than 25 years at NASA. The success of the next mission to return Martian samples to Earth depends on her advancements in autonomous systems and sample collection techniques. She is currently the Project Manager for the Mars Sample Return mission, which is an important step in learning more about the past of the Red Planet.

7. Diana Trujillo – Dismantling Robotics Barriers

Diana Trujillo, a principal engineer for NASA's Mars 2020 mission, played a key role in creating the Perseverance rover's robotic arm and equipment. These instruments are crucial for examining Martian soil and looking for evidence of prehistoric microbial life. She is an inspiration to under-represented minorities in STEM because of her journey from Colombia to NASA. She currently spearheads programs that encourage inclusivity and diversity in space exploration.