Brains On! Science podcast for kids Brains On presents - Rocket women: How a secret program paved the way for female astronauts
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Dec 30, 2025 Join Joy and Elsa as they dive into the incredible history of the 'Fellow Lady Astronaut Trainees.' Discover how these pioneering women, like Jerry Cobb and Wally Funk, challenged gender norms by proving their astronaut potential through rigorous tests. Learn how their efforts faced political hurdles but ultimately paved the way for future female astronauts. The story unfolds in a playful setting, highlighting the significance of their legacy amid the competitive backdrop of the space race. Get ready for an inspiring journey into space history!
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Secret Early Women's Astronaut Program
- The FLATS were a secret group called Fellow Lady Astronaut Trainees who trained like male astronauts.
- Their existence reveals women were preparing for space before official NASA inclusion.
Jerry Cobb's Relentless Pilot Journey
- Jerry Cobb learned to fly young and earned multiple pilot licenses by age 20.
- She faced repeated job rejections simply because she was a woman but persisted until hired.
Smaller Size Seen As Space Advantage
- Dr. William Loveless thought women might be better astronauts because they used less food and oxygen.
- This practical reasoning challenged assumptions about astronaut suitability.
