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More than Sally Ride: Loren Grush explains how NASA’s first women astronauts changed space

Sep 12, 2023

Loren Grush, longtime space reporter, discusses the untold story of America's first women astronauts. They cover the selection process, lack of recognition, and the challenges faced by these women. Topics include diversity in NASA, advancements in the space industry, and the influence of the space race. The chapter also touches on government vs private companies in space exploration and the importance of diversity and inclusion.

57:47

Episode guests

Loren Grush

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Quick takeaways

The first six women astronauts in America faced significant challenges and discrimination in the male-dominated space program, requiring them to work extra hard and suppress their gender to fit in.

The tragic Challenger disaster had a profound impact on the women astronauts, shaping their views on the risks and challenges of space exploration.

The book explores the current landscape of space exploration, including the rise of private companies like SpaceX and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the industry.

Deep dives

The book focuses on the first six women astronauts in America

The book 'The Six' chronicles the lives of the first six women astronauts in America, including Sally Ride and Judy Resnick. It explores their journey into the space program, the challenges they faced as women in a male-dominated industry, and their groundbreaking achievements.

Introduction

3min

The Untold Stories of America's First Women Astronauts

18min

The Changes Inside NASA and Possible Roles in the Space Shuttle Program

3min

Diversity and Inclusion in NASA's Mission Specialist Position

9min

Advancements and Challenges in the Space Industry

13min

Discussing the politics of space

3min

The Influence of the Space Race and the Challenges of Diversifying the Space Program

10min

Enthusiasm for a Book, Invitation to a Conference, and Sponsor Mentions

2min

The Six: The Untold Story of America's First Women Astronauts, from longtime space reporter and Verge alum Loren Grush, is out today.

It’s been 40 years since Sally Ride became the first American woman in space — but she was far from the last. In the early 1980s six women — Sally Ride, Judy Resnick, Kathy Sullivan, Anna Fisher, Rhea Seddon, and Shannon Lucid — would get a chance to fly a mission on one of the space shuttles… including, unfortunately, the ill-fated 1986 Challenger launch.

The story of the six may be history, but it’s far from ancient, and there’s a lot going on here that ties directly to today. And of course, what’s an astronaut story without some high-flying hijinks in it? Listen to the end for Loren’s favorite.

Links:

Nichelle Nichols - NASA Recruitment Film (1977)

Top Black Woman Is Ousted By NASA | The New York Times (1973)

The Space Truck | The Washington Post (1981)

NASA Artemis

Five former SpaceX employees speak out about harassment at the company | The Verge

Why did Blue Origin leave so many female space reporters out of its big reveal? | The Verge

‘We better watch out’: NASA boss sounds alarm on Chinese moon ambitions | Politico

Elon Musk’s Shadow Rule | The New Yorker

US Takes First Step Toward Regulating Commercial Human Spaceflight | Bloomberg

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