Ruthba successfully completed rigorous training become a first Bangladeshi Astronaut
Ruthba Yasmin has been trained to become the first Bangladeshi and woman to go to the moon. Having successfully completed the rigorous training under the "Moon Pioneer Mission" by Space Nation, Ruthba is now among the leading candidates in the race to land on the lunar surface. On April 16, Space Nation announced that six of the seven members in the mission crew are women, with Ruthba proudly representing Bangladesh.
Her journey is not merely a personal achievement but a monumental step forward for women across the globe in the realm of space science.However, it is still uncertain when she will be able to go to the moon. Ruthba was not immediately available for comment when contacted online.
Ruthba began her academic career at Scholastica in Dhaka before enrolling at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, where she earned a degree in Physics with a minor in Mathematics in 2014. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she returned to Bangladesh and pursued advanced studies in Data Science at United International University. She later completed a master’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of South Alabama in 2024.
Her research focuses on space weather, with a particular interest in geomagnetic storms. “My inspiration has always been the vast unknown,” she said. Ruthba believes that although women remain underrepresented in space exploration, the tide must change. “Only 11 percent of astronauts in the space industry are women. That needs to change,” she said.
Training for the Moon Pioneer Mission was both physically and mentally demanding. It included wearing space suits, learning extravehicular activity (EVA) techniques, and maintaining mission control communications. During a high-risk simulation, Ruthba performed an emergency EVA to stabilize a malfunction. Later, as a mission control engineer, she guided her teammates in using the In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) module.
According to Ruthba, the mission tested teamwork, decision-making skills, and crisis management. “Our success was a result of preparation, coordination, and leadership,” she said. Her team, "Mag 7", completed the training mission successfully.
She also emphasized the importance of physical readiness and mental well-being in space. Astronauts must adapt to alternative hygiene practices like sponge baths instead of showers and consume simplified, soap-free meals. “To stay healthy in space, you need proper sleep, nutritious food, hydration, and the ability to adapt to unique sanitation systems,” Ruthba explained. Combatting loneliness and stress is equally crucial; astronauts are advised to bring personal items and maintain strong interpersonal relationships within the team.
Looking ahead, Ruthba hopes to contribute to lunar research, sample collection, and large-scale projects like the Artemis program. “My goal is not only to step on the Moon but to make history and open doors for women,” she stated. “I want to make a historic contribution to space exploration.”
From her experience, Ruthba encouraged young women in Bangladesh to dream big. “If anyone is interested in space, the door is open,” she said. While STEM education is important, she emphasized that there are no barriers regarding academic background.
She further noted, “Curiosity, courage, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and staying true to your identity—these are the real keys to success in space.”
