"The story of women in space charts the pioneering aeronautical developments of the early decades of the 20th century to the very start of human space exploration, and on to the Shuttle and space station era. However, the story of women in space is not just about those who fly the missions, but also of those who work on the ground, or stay at home with the family." "In Women In Space - Following Valentina David Shayler and Ian Moule chronicle these missions into space, from the historic Vostok 6 in June 1963 to the tragedy of STS-107 40 years on. From the first pioneering steps, through the frustration and disappointments of the 1960s and 1970s, the triumphs and tragedies of the 1980s, to the current International Space Station programme, women have played a crucial role in the space programme, and this book celebrates their achievements."--Jacket.