Almost heaven / Kevles, Bettyann

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.

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.