taxidermychurch:

In 1960-1961, thirteen female pilots passed astronaut testing at the private medical facility that NASA used for training male astronauts.  Despite their overwhelming talents and qualifications, NASA refused to take them seriously and — not-really-a-spoiler-alert — did not send a woman into space until 1983 (yes, Sally Ride, who was just name checked as a Jack Donaghy flame on 30 Rock*).

This book was fascinating.  I can’t stop thinking or talking about it.  Reading it was an emotional experience and I’d love to discuss it with someone (luckily, this one is for my book club).  Holler at me when you’re done!

*not her biggest accomplishment, obviously

So great! As someone who has panic attacks just BUYING airplane tickets, I found these brave ladypilots - who flew propeller planes at/in crazy speeds/altitudes/distances/conditions— very inspiring. Jane Briggs Hart is my new hero. She was the wife of a Democratic Senator from Michigan and mother of eight (EIGHT!) who somehow found time to be an airplane and helicopter pilot, as well as take tests in the hopes of becoming an astronaut. Seriously, BADASS LADY.