In 2008, Soyeon Yi made history by being the first astronaut from South Korea, having competed against 36,000 other candidates to win her spot. In April 2008, she accompanied two other Russian astronauts (Cosmonauts) for her first space mission - Soyuz TMA-12 to the International Space Station. Her brilliance and sheer dedication got her selected in the Korean Astronaut Program among 36,000 other competitive candidates but that was not all. She also went through rigorous military training sessions for 15 months with the Russian Air Force in Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.
During their landing in Kazakhstan which was 260 miles off course was as officials said a “ballistic landing” and the Reuters photographer who reached on site saw smoke trailing from the capsule. Dr. Yi sustained some back injury but smiled and said “even though it is a very small place you can float back and forth under each other, over each other,” about her experience with zero gravity while returning.
Inspiration to Women
She has not only inspired many Korean citizens but also women across the globe by being an inspirational icon for many young girls and women pursuing STEM, a field that rarely acknowledges women and girls. During the Harvard Gazette interview Dr. Yi was asked “why is it so important to you to help nurture the next generation of women in STEM?,” to this she replied, “I think it’s really important to consider our next generation’s future. It’s in our hands; it’s our responsibility. I’m so honoured to be the first, but I don’t want to be the last.”
It is not just Dr. Yi but many successful women who have just now become the ‘first woman’ to achieve a landmark position in their respective fields. While it fills our heart with pride to see women break the glass ceiling it also makes one wonder how long it takes for women to get due recognition for their work.
One of the most enthralling moments for every astronaut is looking at Earth from space but what Soyeon Yi felt in space was something different. She realised that it is her and collectively our duty to make Earth a better place. In an interview with the Korean Herald Dr. Yi said, “I’m an earthling before I’m a Korean. The problems in Korea are important, but the problems of the world are also very important. Those neglected in Korea are having a tough time, but those neglected by international society could be having a tougher time.”
Fostering Peace and Sustainability
Dr. Yi has progressively voiced her opinions on International peace and sustainability since her return from the International Space Station. She has mentioned how it is not unusual for astronauts to think about the ‘greater good’ and vouch for a more sustainable future because of their own experiences and the current state of our world. She voiced her opinions on the Russia Ukraine war as well as tensions between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. It was tough for her to ignore the unrest and casualties happening around the world after seeing how radiant and brilliant Earth looked from space. She has been vocal about fostering International peace, growth, friendship and commitment for a better future.
In an interview with Harvard Gazette in 2022 she was asked, "What are some important conversations we should be having about space sustainability?”
She said, “ISS is the best test site to practise sustainability and a great example of how we can make sustainability work on Earth. Sometimes sustainability happens not because we really want to do it, but because of the situation. If you don’t have any clean water, you might be forced to recycle your urine. We definitely don’t want to make a situation like that on our Earth; we should be prepared beforehand. We should preserve everything before we run out.”
It has now been 16 years since Dr Yi stepped in space yet it still feels like a victory for many people. She published her first book , ‘Meet me at the Universe’ in 2023 to mark her 15th anniversary. It takes the reader through the course of her life before, after and during her time at the International Space Station. She also went on to receive her Masters Degree in Business Administration from University of California, Berkeley and is now working with, ‘Association of Spaceflights Professionals.’
The story of Dr. Yi and she herself continue to inspire each one of us and also make us believe in establishing a better world together.
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