Discover NASA’s Deleted ‘First Woman’ Graphic Novels: How to Still Access Them!

Update from Keith on March 23: Just hours after my last post, a NASA YouTube video and a photo of two female astronauts were unexpectedly taken down. They had been available for years. It seems that NASA is actively removing content related to diversity and women, similar to what I’ve mentioned before. More details below.

In 2021, NASA launched its first interactive graphic novel titled “First Woman: Dream to Reality”. It features young women aspiring to be part of what is known as the “Artemis Generation.” The second installment, “First Woman: Expanding Our Universe,” followed in November 2023. However, as of March 2025, all traces of these publications have been wiped from NASA’s online platforms, likely as part of a broader federal effort to remove content focused on diversity.

Despite this, you can still access these graphic novels. Here are the links to download them:
– Volume 1.
– Volume 2.

The second novel explores a diverse crew of astronauts on the Moon. They face challenges, collaborate, and conduct experiments to benefit humanity. This representation is important; it shows the many faces of those who could venture into space.

The first book, released to celebrate National Comic Book Day, narrates the journey of Callie Rodriguez, the first woman to explore the Moon. NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy highlighted that Callie’s story reflects the growth opportunities available to aspiring astronauts today. “Her diversity mirrors our astronaut corps,” she said, emphasizing the need for relatable role models in space exploration.

Both novels incorporate augmented reality features through dedicated apps available for Android and iOS. These innovations allow readers to engage with the content in exciting ways. Though the links to the graphic novels on NASA’s website no longer work, you can listen to the audio version of the first book on SoundCloud.

A notable moment occurred on January 12, 2024, when NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara shared a copy of the first novel aboard the International Space Station. Their involvement in the project helped shape Callie’s character, showcasing real NASA technologies designed for future lunar and planetary missions.

Recent Trends and Observations: The removal of NASA’s graphic novels has sparked conversations on social media regarding the importance of representation in science and what it means for future generations. Users on platforms like Twitter and Reddit have voiced their concerns about the censorship of progressive narratives in favor of more traditional themes. Statistics from a 2022 survey indicate that 75% of people believe diverse representation in media is crucial for inspiring young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. This highlights the need for continued advocacy for inclusive storytelling—not just in graphic novels but across all platforms.

In summary, while NASA may be pulling these graphic novels from their site, their impact on encouraging future explorers remains. Many still believe that diverse stories are vital for inspiring young minds to reach for the stars.

Check out this related article: Discover Stunning Images of Distant Exoplanets Captured by the James Webb Space Telescope!

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