Discover the Authentic Tales of NASA's Pioneering Women Astronauts in the Exclusive Book 'The Six'

 

Discover the Authentic Tales of NASA's Pioneering Women Astronauts in the Exclusive Book 'The Six'

In 1978, NASA underwent a transformative shift with the inclusion of a diverse group of astronauts, marking a significant turning point in its history. This pivotal moment saw the acceptance of women and individuals of color into the astronaut corps for the very first time. Loren Grush's new book, "The Six: The Untold Story of America's First Women Astronauts" (Scribner, 2023), delves into the authentic, firsthand narratives of the pioneering women who joined this extraordinary cohort. Grush's work places a spotlight on the remarkable journeys of astronauts Sally Ride, Judy Resnik, Anna Fisher, Kathy Sullivan, Shannon Lucid, and Rhea Seddon, shedding light on the decades of discrimination faced by women pioneers in the realm of space exploration before their selection.

To craft this book, Grush conducted over 100 hours of interviews and invested countless additional hours in meticulous research. This endeavor took place against the backdrop of the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, making her dedication to unveiling these stories even more commendable. Grush kindly shared some of her revelations with Space.com during an exclusive interview.

Space.com: Before you embarked on this book project, what did you believe was missing from the publicly known accounts of the Six at that time?

Grush: A considerable amount has been written about these women, and some of the Six have even penned their own memoirs. Nevertheless, I felt that their collective story as a group had not been explored adequately. I found the prospect of examining their experiences as a cohesive unit intriguing. Like most members of the general public, I was familiar with Sally Ride, but I had limited knowledge of the remaining five women in the group. I saw this as an excellent opportunity to educate myself about their remarkable achievements and simultaneously shine a light on their stories for a broader audience.

In the process of researching this book, I gained substantial insights into the astronaut selection process, which proved to be quite surprising. The criteria used for selecting how these women would fly and in what order were eye-opening and prompted me to consider numerous "What if?" scenarios. I realized that any of the other five women could have easily become the first American woman in space instead of Sally Ride. Therefore, it was imperative to convey the stories of all six women, as the historical sequence could have unfolded differently.

Space.com: It appears that the book highlights the pressure Sally Ride faced, especially from the media and reporters. Did you aim to reveal the support and awareness of this pressure from within NASA?

Grush: Indeed, those within NASA were acutely aware of the intense media attention Sally Ride would receive as the first American woman in space. When they were introduced as a group to the public and made available for interviews, all the women faced an overwhelming barrage of questions. In contrast, the other newly selected astronauts—white men—were not as sought after for interviews, allowing them to return home earlier. This initial experience foreshadowed the media's fascination with the women. What struck me was how the significance of this selection did not fully resonate with Sally Ride initially. She was primarily thrilled about her upcoming journey to space, and the gravity of her selection truly sank in only after her return. Coping with this realization proved challenging for her, ultimately leading her to seek therapy. However, NASA as an institution recognized the historical magnitude of this milestone from the outset.

While I hesitate to label the media as villains, they played a significant role in subjecting the women to various forms of discrimination and bias. Looking back at the questions posed by the media during that time is a stark reminder of the societal progress yet to be made. For instance, one reporter asked whether Shannon Lucid's three children factored into her selection process—an inquiry that would be deemed unacceptable today. It was astonishing to observe how the media discussed the women, even during their initial announcement. I vividly recall one television announcement listing their names, ages, and marital statuses as if these were pertinent details, which was truly mind-boggling. My journey through this research served as an instructive lesson in how not to perform one's journalistic duties.

Sally Ride's role in the Challenger investigation was significant. She served on the Rogers Commission and contributed to uncovering the critical role of the O-rings in the solid rocket boosters' failure, a key factor in the disaster. While I was aware of her involvement in this investigation, delving deeper into it was enlightening. It highlighted the fact that the first American woman in space had become a whistleblower to unravel the mystery behind the tragic fate of the second American woman in space, Judith Resnik. It showcased the camaraderie among these women, as they supported and assisted each other even in the face of loss.

The other women also played crucial roles. Following the Challenger disaster, efforts were made to streamline data and procedures. Anna and Shannon were deeply involved in this process. The Challenger incident fundamentally altered NASA's trajectory, prompting a thorough reassessment of its decision-making processes, launch criteria, and safety protocols. For instance, pressure suits were introduced into the shuttle cockpit—an aspect I found surprising, as I had assumed they had always been standard equipment for spaceflight.

The Challenger disaster marked the end of an era in spaceflight and, consequently, served as a fitting conclusion to the book. It signified the close of a chapter that included the first six women in the space shuttle program while simultaneously marking the beginning of a new phase. This tragedy paved the way for a fresh generation of astronauts and women who would join NASA in the ensuing years.

Space.com: Were there any surprises during your interviews regarding who might have been upset about not being the first woman selected? For instance, Judy Resnik was frequently asked about this during her lifetime. Did your interviews shed light on this aspect?

Grush: Exploring the interpersonal dynamics among the Six was illuminating, if not necessarily shocking. These dynamics revealed their humanity and relatability, particularly in a competitive context. It's only natural for individuals in such situations to aspire to be the first to embark on a space mission or to go early in the selection order. This desire is a very human experience and one that many of us can understand.

Shannon Lucid and Anna Fisher, two members of the group, offer ample material for future books. Shannon's time on the Russian Mir space station is well-known, and her experiences could serve as a rich foundation for a comprehensive account of long-duration space missions. Similarly, Anna Fisher's post-family leave career at NASA presents a wealth of material for exploration. Although she did not return to space, her contributions within the agency provide enough substance for a dedicated book. Indeed, there is a plethora of subjects to delve into.

My hope is that readers take away from this book the realization that these women were driven by their passion for their work. Their work just happened to unfold hundreds of miles above Earth, hurtling through space at 17,500 mph. While they were undoubtedly pioneers, their primary motivation was to excel at their jobs, and in doing so, they opened doors for other women to follow in their footsteps.

One key message I frequently emphasize is that these women are a source of inspiration. Their diverse backgrounds, ranging from medical doctors and chemists to astrophysicists and electrical engineers, demonstrate that there is no single path to becoming an astronaut. They exemplify the idea that anyone can reach space through various avenues, even without a lifelong dream of doing so. Some of them didn't even realize their desire to become astronauts until they witnessed the selection process. This underscores the notion

 that career aspirations can evolve over time. So, for individuals who may be intimidated by those who seem to have a clear calling, the stories of the Six offer a reassuring message: diverse paths can lead to extraordinary destinations.