women in astronautics

Looks at the lives of eleven women in astronautics.

Draws on interviews and extensive research to document the struggles and triumphs of women astronauts. Discusses their motivation, initial rejection, and contributions to space exploration. Profiles dozen of women including Valentina Tereshkova, Sally Ride, Christa McAuliffe, Kalpana Chawla, and Lauren Clark.

Tells the story of the thirteen women who qualified as astronauts in the late 1950s and early 1960s, passing the same tests as the Mercury Seven astronauts, but who were not allowed to officially participate in the space program because of their gender.

Contains the first-hand stories of eleven women chosen by NASA to be the first women in space in 1959 and 1960 and explains why they were grounded in 1961 when the program was abruptly and mysteriously cancelled.

Contains brief biographical sketches of ten women astronauts of various nationalities including Valentina Tereshkova, Sally Ride, Ellen Ochoa, and Kalpana Chawla.

Provides descriptions of a variety of job opportunities available in the fields of air and space; examines the backgrounds of successful women working in these fields; and includes information about qualifications, the physical demands of the jobs, salaries, education, and other topics.

Examines the history of women in space, drawing from interviews with women from the United States, Russia, and other countries who have participated in space programs to discuss the struggles they faced in trying to become astronauts, and looking at the laws and attitudes that had to change to allow women in the male-dominated field.

Profiles the lives of many of the women who have been included in space programs in the United States, Russia, Canada, and Japan, describes their training, and highlights their achievements.