Valentina Tereshkova is 89 years old as of October 2026. She was born on 6 March 1937.
Soviet cosmonaut who became the first woman in space in 1963, orbiting the Earth 48 times aboard Vostok 6
Did you know?Her background as an expert amateur skydiver was a key factor in her selection for the space programme.
Quick facts
Date of birth6 March 1937
Age89
NationalityRussian
BirthplaceBolshoye Maslennikovo, Russia
Occupationastronaut, politician, military personnel
Editor's Take:
Valentina Tereshkova was the first woman to travel into space. She was a textile factory worker and keen amateur parachutist. In 1962 she was chosen from hundreds of applicants for the Soviet cosmonaut programme. On 16 June 1963 she launched alone aboard Vostok 6. She orbited Earth 48 times in nearly three days. Her call sign was Chaika, meaning "Seagull". She later became a senior politician in Russia.
Key Milestones
1962: Cosmonaut – selected
1963: Vostok 6 – first woman in space
1963: Hero of the Soviet Union
2011: State Duma – elected
Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova (born 6 March 1937) is a Russian engineer, politician, and former Soviet cosmonaut. She was the first woman in space, having flown a solo mission on Vostok 6 on 16 June 1963.
Valentina Tereshkova's birthday is March 6. She was born on March 6, 1937 in Bolshoye Maslennikovo, Russia.
How old is Valentina Tereshkova?
Valentina Tereshkova is 89 years old, and turns 90 on her next birthday, March 6.
Who shares a birthday with Valentina Tereshkova?
Famous people who share Valentina Tereshkova's March 6 birthday include Michelangelo, Gabriel García Márquez, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Shaquille O'Neal.
