Sharman launched from Baikonur aboard Soyuz TM-12, becoming the first British person in space, and the first Western European woman in space.
On May 18, 1991, Helen Sharman launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome aboard Soyuz TM-12, a historic moment that made her the first British person and the first Western European woman in space. This launch was part of Project Juno, a privately funded mission dedicated to scientific research aboard the Mir space station. Her entry into space was a series of groundbreaking achievements, including being the first privately funded woman in space and the first woman to visit Mir. Sharman collaborated in conducting various experiments, showcasing the value of international scientific partnerships and reflecting the feasibility of such collaborative, privately funded ventures. Her mission symbolized new possibilities for British involvement in space exploration.