Launching the Rise Together Space Alliance

As women leaders in space, from different backgrounds, we stand united in our commitment to fostering an inclusive landscape where barriers are broken down so that talent can thrive no matter where it comes from. 

Despite progress made over recent years, the reality is that the space industry is not as diverse as it should be. Different perspectives are not just “nice to have”; they are absolutely critical. Including diverse perspectives leads to increased innovation, creativity, and success.

Together, we announce our commitment to raising our voices and being proactive when given the opportunity to speak in a public forum about space. We will share the ways more women and girls and diverse talent can join us and promote educational opportunities, mentorship, and flexible career paths to space.

Moving forward requires action to advance inclusion through tangible policies and programs. We will do our best to link to other leaders and other likeminded initiatives and charters to guide others to resources, and to raise awareness about space with purposeful intent. And we will forge partnerships with those whose values are aligned with ours.

Join us in our mission to ensure that more women and diverse talent join the ranks of future generations of aspiring astronauts, business leaders, engineers, scientists, and dreamers and see themselves represented on every level. Let’s work together to make space inclusive and diverse for all.

To find out more about the Alliance and to shape our strategy, please register here:

Our Manifesto

Rise Together Space Alliance: Empowering Women in the Space Sector

We, the members of the Rise Together Alliance, unite under a shared vision of empowering women and raising the profile of women in the space sector. As half of the world’s human capital, we believe that it is crucial for women to play a larger part in shaping the future of the space sector and promoting diversity of thought. Our mission is to dismantle the barriers that hinder women’s progress by highlighting existing female leaders, fostering a supportive community, and inspiring the next generation of female leaders in the space industry.

Breaking Down Barriers:

Our collective will seek to work in partnership with complementary initiatives and established Charters, including Women in Aerospace Europe, to break down the systemic barriers that prevent women from fully participating in the space sector. We campaign to end gender discrimination, bias, and stereotypes that limit women’s opportunities for growth and advancement We advocate for policies that ensure equal pay, equal representation, and equal access to resources and opportunities for women from all backgrounds in the space industry.

Education and Mentorship:

We believe that education and mentorship are key factors in empowering women, and other under-represented groups, to excel in the space sector. The Alliance is committed to facilitating educational resources and mentorship programs to help women gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary for leadership roles in space, including leveraging from existing initiatives.  We encourage collaboration between established professionals and aspiring women to foster a supportive environment that promotes growth and development.

Encouraging Diversity and Inclusion: Diversity is the cornerstone of innovation. The Alliance advocates for a diverse and inclusive space sector that embraces all under-represented groups. We recognise the unique perspectives and talents that women bring to the table, by raising their profile we strive to

create an environment where all voices are valued and heard. We support initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in recruitment, retention, and decision-making processes within the space industry.

Policy Advocacy:

The Allicance recognises the power of policy in shaping the future of the space sector. We engage with governments, space agencies, and industry leaders to advocate for policies that support women’s advancement in the field. We showcase research and development projects that focus on women’s contributions to space exploration, technology and applications.

Public Engagement and Outreach:

We believe engaging with the public and raising awareness about the importance of women’s leadership in the space sector is essential. The Collective is committed to supporting outreach programs, workshops, and events that inspire young girls and women to pursue careers in space, often through partnerships.  We collaborate with schools, colleges, and community organisations to provide mentorship, guidance, and exposure to the possibilities within the space industry. By showcasing women’s achievements and contributions, we aim to challenge societal norms and stereotypes, reframe the space sector, and empower girls and women to pursue dreams beyond stratospheric.

Conclusion: Our Alliance envisions a future where 50% of leadership positions in space are held by women, where women contribute significantly to the space sector, and shape the trajectory of the industry. We are determined to foster a supportive community, and inspire the next generation of female leaders in the space sector. By advocating for greater female representation, providing educational opportunities, creating a work culture that enables, rather than disables women, promoting diversity and inclusion, and engaging with the public, we aim to create a more equitable and inclusive space industry. Join us in our mission, and together we’ll ignite the growth of the space sector as never before.