Women in Space: Introduction–Part I

A new kind of hero emerged as well—a hero willing to sacrifice self to explore new frontiers.

The Soviets' success spurred the United States on, and America had its first success on January 31, 1958.

Unlike early Soviet space capsules, which were automated, American spacecraft required experienced pilots at the controls in case of malfunctions.

Some scientists speculated that more could be done with a lighter load. A woman astronaut would contribute less weight to the capsule, and perhaps this was one contest the United States could win.

In addition to celebrating the year's graduates, the school, like many colleges, recognizes special people by awarding them with honorary doctorates.

In 2007, the University of Wisconsin conferred doctorates on 13 women who showed their determination, strength, and bravery in the Space Race with accomplishments that paved the way for generations.

According to ABC News correspondent Natalie Arnold, who covered the story, the Mercury 13 are the women our country didn't want anyone to know about.

They underwent the same tests and indignities that the original Mercury 7 went through, and more.

The event started on Friday, May 11, with a panel discussion with the Mercury 13 women. Martha Ackmann served as moderator and, along with the eight women who could attend, told the story.

When she acknowledged that the recognition by the University of Wisconsin was the first they had received, the audience gave the women a standing ovation.

Sponsored by Kagen, the resolution recognized the accomplishments of the 13 women who outshined and outperformed their male counterparts—but were never allowed to fly into space.

Jerrie moved carefully in the close confines of the capsule.

The prevailing medical and scientific opinion of the day was that menstruation caused changes in the brain, such as being distractible and emotional and not thinking clearly.

Nichols later told people that when she suggested that air force personnel use her test information to put a woman in space, they said, "Under no circumstances.''

She tested in a flight simulator, easily conquering it.

By far the most uncomfortable test she had to endure was having icy water poured into her ear canal.

The maneuvers had her flying an open-cockpit biplane upside down about 10 feet above the ground and slicing through a ribbon stretched between two poles.

Instead, the petite pilot and racecar driver was photographed in men’s pajamas taking advice from Mercury 7 astronauts, who dubbed her “7½.”

Meanwhile, Lovelace found the costs of the testing prohibitive, particularly without government funding.

Lovelace had also tested the Mercury 7, but the government came up with the criteria for that testing.

Visual acuity correctable to 20/20; if there have been surgical procedures to the eye, such as LASIK, a year must have passed since the latest procedure.

Janey, a personable woman who spoke her mind, soon set Gene Nora at ease, and they became lifelong friends.

The first day began with a complete medical and aviation history, followed by a comprehensive check-up by an internist or flight surgeon.

Covered in sensors, the women pedaled an exercise bike in time to a metronome.

Many of the tests were uncomfortable or grueling.

Dr. Donald Kilgore with the Lovelace Foundation reported that the women performed well and complained far less than the men did. “I think women are more tolerant of pain and discomfort than men anyhow,” he said.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base had refused to allow further testing on women astronaut candidates for fear that the public would think they advocated women in space.

A speech impediment, which she'd had since childhood, had led to a dislike of speaking in front of others.

The sensory deprivation chamber that Jerrie tested in contained a pool surrounded by eight-inch steel walls. Both the water and the air were exactly the same temperature as her body. Not only would she not be able to see or hear anything but her own voice, she also wouldn't be able to feel anything.

Jerrie wanted the other women to succeed as well in order to prove that she wasn't a fluke.

Jerrie's time flying military planes to South America didn't count. Jean Hixson's stint as a WASP test pilot in World War II didn't count, either.

She helped develop Terrain Following Radar (TFR) and “smart" bombs.

Being an astronaut was one of Barbie’s early careers. She later became a dentist, pilot, and basketball player, among many other vocations.

He distanced himself from the women and any publicity, believing that diplomacy was the best tactic.

The mission would study the effects of space on a geriatric astronaut.