Former astronaut and first American woman to go in space, Kathryn Sullivan breaks another record. She has been where no woman has ever gone before, Challenger Deep- the lowest point on earth. On her venture below 35,000 feet below water, she was accompanied by oceanic pilot Victor Vescovo. The duo travelled in an underwater craft called ‘Limiting Factor’ while maintaining constant contact with International Space Station.
Challenger Deep in Mariana Trench is known for its extreme darkness, high and low pressure. It is believed only micro-organisms can survive in this environment. However, 37 years after the 68-year-old Sullivan went to space, she became the first women and eighth person to complete this underwater venture.
“As a hybrid oceanographer and astronaut this was an extraordinary day, a once in a lifetime day, seeing the moonscape of the Challenger Deep and then comparing notes with my colleagues on the ISS about our remarkable reusable inner-space outer-spacecraft,” said Sullivan after completing the lengthy dive.
Her companion Vescovo said, “We made some more history today…and then got to share the experience with kindred spirits in the ISS. It was a pleasure to have Kathy along both as an oceanographer during the dive, and then as an astronaut to talk to the ISS.”
Sullivan has a PhD in Geology. She has served this field before switching to NASA.
