is the first in a series of public artworks called commissioned by leading out-of-home media company

Alight Media

. Acclaimed Franco-British public artist Martin Firrell emphasises the gender of Britain's first astronaut

Helen Sharman

with the intention of promoting equality of opportunity for all.

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In 1991, the first British astronaut flew into space and orbited the earth for 8 days aboard the Mir space station. And she was a woman.

Helen Sharman

, a 27-year-old from Sheffield, made British 'herstory'. The artwork brings to light the gender of Britain's first astronaut promoting equality of opportunity for all British people.

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The first British astronaut set off on her extraterrestrial journey from Sheffield.

Helen Sharman

made 'herstory' becoming the first woman ever to visit the Mir space station, orbiting the earth for 8 days. This artwork highlights the idea that it makes no difference where you start off from; it's where you end up that matters.

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is inspired by the real-life experiences of

Helen Sharman

the first British astronaut. Until Helen blasted off on her very own star trek, no woman had ever visited the Mir space station. This artwork makes both a playful reference to gender and the profoundly serious point that women are trailblazers, pioneers, experts, and 'herstory' makers.

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