Salma Kikina

Salma Kikina is a distinguished Russian cosmonaut and spacecraft engineer who has made significant contributions to space exploration and represents the continuation of women's roles in Russian space science. Trained as an engineer with expertise in spacecraft systems, she developed a strong background in the technical aspects of space missions before her selection as a cosmonaut. In 2022, Kikina flew to the International Space Station as part of Expedition 67/68, making history as the first Russian woman to perform an extravehicular activity (spacewalk) in nearly four decades—a remarkable achievement given the pioneering role of Soviet and Russian women in space exploration. Her spacewalk involved critical maintenance and scientific work on the orbital laboratory, demonstrating her technical expertise and physical capability. Kikina's mission also symbolized international cooperation in space, as she worked alongside astronauts from other nations aboard the ISS. Her achievements have inspired a new generation of women in STEM fields, particularly in Russia and Eastern Europe. As a spacewalking cosmonaut, Kikina joins an elite group of professionals and continues the legacy of Soviet and Russian women pioneers in space exploration.