Long Island's NASA astronaut takes center stage in all-female spacewalk

In a historic and groundbreaking moment, Long Island’s NASA astronaut, Jasmin Moghbeli, is poised to take center stage in an all-female spacewalk this week. This revolutionary mission will see Moghbeli removing one piece of hardware from the exterior of the International Space Station while installing a new apparatus to enhance the station’s capabilities.

Joining her in this celestial endeavor is her accomplished counterpart, astronaut Loral O’Hara, making this duo a remarkable testament to the power of women in space exploration, says CBC.

Jasmin Moghbeli’s journey to the stars is not only marked by her crucial role in the upcoming spacewalk but also by a remarkable tale of determination and ambition.

Since she arrived at the International Space Station in August, she has seamlessly bridged the gap between the cosmos and Earth, even sparing time to enlighten and inspire students at the Baldwin School District, where her educational journey began. Her unwavering commitment to her community and the cosmos has made her a cherished local hero.

This landmark spacewalk is a beacon of progress, representing only the second instance in the annals of space exploration history when two exceptional women embark on a mission together. The first pioneering duo, astronauts Jessica Meir and Christina Koch made history in 2019. Now, Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara are poised to engrave their names into the stars alongside them.

An immigrant hailing from Iran, Jasmin’s family sought refuge in the United States following the tumultuous events of the 1979 Iranian revolution. With unwavering determination, she celebrated her American citizenship by baking brownies for her second-grade classmates and dreaming of becoming an astronaut. A dream that has been nurtured and realized against all odds.

Her pursuit of aeronautic engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology led her to a pivotal moment when a Marine recruiter guaranteed her a path to become a pilot, recognizing the unique avenue it offered for her astronaut dreams.

Jasmin Moghbeli proudly donned her NASA uniform on June 7th, marking her official acceptance into the illustrious astronaut corps. As she reflects on the eve of the July 4th weekend, her gratitude for her adopted homeland shines brightly.

She acknowledges that, like any nation, the United States has its imperfections and areas for growth. However, her journey is a testament to the extraordinary opportunities this great nation offers. A female Marine Corps major, Iranian-American immigrant, and now an astronaut, her story is a beacon of hope, a symbol of perseverance, and a cause for celebration in space exploration.