‘If I can do it, then so can you’ Sharman tells girls

BRITAIN’S FIRST astronaut has claimed it is “very powerful” that she travelled into space “regardless of gender” as she was honoured for her endeavours.

Sheffield-born Helen Sharman was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) by the Queen at Windsor Castle.

Speaking afterwards, Ms Sharman said: “While I’ve always been delighted to be a role model in whatever way; I think it’s very powerful that I was the first British astronaut regardless of gender. While I never overtly get involved with gender-specific events let’s say, I think it’s quite clear to girls that I just got on with it. Was it any more difficult for me? I don’t know, because I don’t know what it’s like to be anybody else, but I can certainly do it, and so can they.”

Ms Sharman became the first Briton in space when she visited the Mir space station in 1991. Her trip was made possible by a private programme called Project Juno, and paid for jointly by the USSR and a consortium of British companies. More than 25 years after she went to space, Ms Sharman praised entrepreneurs Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk as “visionaries” who “are making space more accessible”.

The 54-year-old was honoured for her services to science and technology educational outreach. She is the operations manager for the chemistry department at Imperial College London and gives lectures on her experiences.

Meanwhile, former rugby union referee Edward Morrison received an OBE, while cofounder of the Ambassador Theatre Group Limited, Rosemary Squire, became a Dame.

I think it’s quite clear to girls that I just got on with it. Helen Sharman, Yorkshire-born astronaut.