Additional Cargo
It’s easy to overlook the significance of the number of tampons sent to space with Sally Ride, but it’s worth considering how meticulous NASA is about what they send into space. Every extra ounce of weight must be carefully considered to ensure fuel longevity and mission success. While tampons may not weigh much, they are still a necessary item for women, and it’s concerning that NASA did not take this into account.
The sentence that states that no one bothered to ask Sally Ride how much she would need suggests that the issue of menstrual health was not given much consideration at the time. It’s likely that the team responsible for packing supplies for the space mission did not consider the practical needs of a female astronaut. It’s possible that Sally Ride herself was surprised and amused by the number of tampons sent with her. However, it’s still an important issue that highlights the need for greater awareness and inclusivity surrounding menstrual health, even in the most unlikely of situations. By promoting better understanding and education surrounding menstrual health, we can eliminate harmful beliefs and ensure that all individuals have access to the necessary resources, regardless of their circumstances.
