UNIPA News (Jakarta). April 15, 2026.
Prof.Dr. Pratiwi Sudarmono was born on July 31, 1952 in Bandung, Indonesia. Prof. Dr. Pratiwi Sudarmono is a microbiology expert who received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Indonesia.
After that she continued her master’s degree in microbiology at the University of Tokyo, Japan. She earned his doctorate degree in University of Tokyo Japan.
She is the only Indonesian woman selected by NASA to fly to the Moon, placing Indonesia on the brink of world history.
NASA’s collaboration with the Indonesian Government for the Columbia Space Shuttle mission (STS-61-H), Of the many selections of sons and daughters of the Indonesian nation, Prof. Dr. Pratiwi Sudarmono was successfully selected through a strict selection process.
She carries the name of the Indonesian nation and her family. She carries the hopes of all Indonesian people to see the red and white flag flying in earth orbit.
After extreme physical training at the Johnson Space Center, United States in the mid-1980s. Prof.Dr.Pratiwi Sudarmono prepared as a Payload Specialist to research bacterial growth in the vacuum of space.
On January 28, 1986, The space shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after takeoff. This tragedy forced NASA to stop all space shuttles for safety.
The Columbia mission carrying Prof. Dr. Pratiwi was canceled. Her dream of becoming the first Indonesian astronaut to go into space was postponed.
This proves that the quality of Indonesian scientists is recognized worldwide. She returned to his homeland and taught as a respected professor and researcher.
Indonesian scientists are always remembered for their intelligence and sincere dedication. She got a professorship from the University of Indonesia. Indonesia is proud to have the best scientists in the Indonesian nation.
Reporter:
Deswita Refika,
Jakarta, Indonesia