On a Mission

LIBRARY JOURNAL
“A thoroughly researched historical record of American women’s experiences in astronautics, spanning 45 years. While focusing on the history of women’s integration into the space industry, she also provides a detailed description of astronaut training and offers a glimpse into the working environments in NASA and at the Kennedy Space Center. This book is unique in that it profiles each of the 61 American women who have traveled into space. The work’s value lies primarily in its broad historical perspective, complemented by more than 50 black-and-white archival photographs.”

BOOKLIST
“Neal harnesses the awe-inspiring essence of these women who are invaluable to America’s history of space. Black-and-white photography gives readers a glimpse into their extraordinary lives…space enthusiasts will be enthralled by the glamorous lives and careers of these 61 women.”

“Make room on your bookshelf! This sweeping history of the women who’ve taken America into space celebrates nearly half a century of grit, guts, and plain hard work. Valerie Neal’s deep research is a gift to readers and researchers alike.” —Lynn Sherr, journalist and author of Sally Ride: America’s First Woman in Space

“Through meticulous research and hours of interviews, Valerie Neal takes the reader on thrilling spacewalks, inside vital scientific research, and behind communication desks at mission control. The courage and resilience of these astronauts shines through every page. Neal has crafted an inspiring read for anyone who believes that the sky is not the limit—just the beginning.”
—Nathalia Holt, New York Times bestselling author of Rise of the Rocket Girls

“I was fortunate enough to fly with three of the exceptional women astronauts profiled in Valerie Neal’s excellent On a Mission. They, like their pioneering colleagues, brought talent, determination, and invaluable leadership to human exploration. In this definitive history, you’ll learn how NASA’s women astronauts are still making their mark on the space frontier.”
—Tom Jones, veteran NASA astronaut, author of SkyWalking and Space Shuttle Stories

“On a Mission is the tribute these trailblazing women have long deserved. Valerie Neal has captured their legacy with care and clarity, and this book is a powerful reminder that none of us launches alone.” —Emily Calandrelli, aerospace engineer, science communicator, and the 100th woman in space

“Valerie Neal has established herself as the foremost world authority on NASA’s women astronauts, offering their stories, challenges, and triumphs in this exciting new book.”
—Roger Launius, former Chief Historian of NASA and author of Smithsonian Atlas of Space