Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) congratulates the first woman in space, cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, on her 80th birthday in Moscow, Russia, Monday, March 6, 2017. (Photo by ALEXEI NIKOLSKY/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
MOSCOW — Russia is honoring the world’s first woman in space, Valentina Tereshkova, on her 80th birthday.
President Vladimir Putin hosted Tereshkova at the Kremlin on Monday, praising her as “a role model for us and a symbol of service to the Fatherland.”
He presented Tereshkova with a painting of seagulls over the Volga River, a reference to her call sign Chaika (Seagull) during her mission in June 1963.
The three-day mission made her an instant global celebrity and a poster figure for Soviet space glory. Tereshkova received a hero’s welcome after the flight and was showered with awards and honorary titles.
She is still a member of the Russian parliament, serving as a deputy chair of committee for municipal issues.