While she continues to explore the universe from the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Garching, near Munich, Randall also champions the visibility of women in space science, particularly to inspire the next generation.
Studying the Cosmos from Garching
In the northern suburbs of Munich lies the headquarters of the ESO, a collaborative research hub involving 16 European countries and Chile. Randall, who holds a doctorate in astrophysics, leads visitors through the facility with enthusiasm. “This might be the most exciting room here,” she says, pointing to a model of a mirror segment for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), currently under construction in Chile. Some of the components are even manufactured on-site in Garching.
Randall highlights how such cutting-edge telescopes help uncover humanity’s origins. While the ELT is still being assembled, another telescope—the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA)—is already operational in Chile’s Atacama Desert. “ALMA mainly observes clouds of gas and dust. That might sound dull at first, but it’s crucial,” Randall explains. “Stars and planets—including Earth—are born from these clouds. ALMA lets us look back to the earliest moments of the universe’s creation.”
Indeed, ALMA has already contributed to major scientific breakthroughs, including the first images ever captured of black holes.
Few Female Role Models in Space Science
Born in Cologne in 1979, Randall sees her scientific mission as also deeply social. With women making up only around 10% of the global astronaut corps, she advocates for greater gender representation. “Astronauts are like rock stars of science—they attract attention and inspire especially young people,” she says. “But in Germany, we still lack female role models. When I talk to elementary school students, I often hear, ‘Aren’t astronauts always men?’”
To counter these stereotypes, she and meteorologist Insa Thiele-Eich co-authored two children’s books based on their astronaut training experiences.
Germany’s First Woman in Space Was Privately Funded
In April 2025, Rabea Rogge made history as the first German woman in space, breaking a barrier that had stood through 12 German male astronaut missions. Rogge traveled to the ISS aboard a privately funded SpaceX flight, backed by businessman Chung Wang. Her mission was independent of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) selection process.
Private Initiative Opens Doors for Female Astronauts
Randall herself applied to the ESA in 2008 but wasn’t selected. In response to the persistent gender gap, aerospace engineer Claudia Kessler launched the “Die Astronautin” initiative in 2017. Based in Mühldorf am Inn, the program seeks to send the first German woman to the ISS with the help of private funding. Out of around 400 applicants, two were chosen—including Randall.
Ulrich Walter, a former astronaut and jury member for the initiative, emphasizes that “professionally and physically, there are no differences between men and women. In fact, NASA has found that women often stay calmer in unexpected situations.” Still, many candidates didn’t make it past the final selection.
Medical Research Benefits from Female Astronauts
Randall’s advocacy for gender parity is also grounded in science. “Much of the research conducted on the ISS focuses on human health. And we’re seeing more clearly that women respond differently to medications and face different health risks,” she notes. Without sufficient female participation in space-based studies, crucial insights into women’s health remain unexplored.
Funding Remains the Final Hurdle
Randall has already completed her basic astronaut training, but a ticket to the ISS remains elusive due to funding. An estimated €50 million is still needed to secure a seat on a mission. Despite the financial challenge, she remains hopeful. “I feel that things are starting to move,” she says. “Just very, very slowly.”
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