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Episode 3

The women astronauts-who-never-were of the Mercury 13. Quirky true history with Helen Keen and Peter Serafnowicz. From May 2012.

Comic but true history of space exploration:

Given that on a rocket every ounce of saved weight is crucial, an astronaut who weighs 15% less and breathes less oxygen should have a tremendous advantage. So where were all of NASA's female astronauts?

The story of Soviet pioneer Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space, who at one time logged more hours in orbit than all the male American astronauts put together makes a thought-provoking contrast to the marginalised female astronauts of the USA, the so called Mercury 13, none of whom ever got to go into space.

Starring:

Helen Keen
Peter Serafinowicz
Susy Kane

Written by Helen Keen and Miriam Underhill.

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 in May 2012.

15 minutes

Last on

Wed 7 Feb 2024 23:30

Credits

Role Contributor
Performer Helen Keen
Actor Peter Serafinowicz
Actor Susy Kane
Producer Gareth Edwards
Writer Helen Keen
Writer Miriam Underhill

Broadcasts

  • Wed 30 May 2012 23:00
  • Wed 16 Oct 2013 23:15
  • Mon 25 Jan 2016 23:45
  • Tue 26 Jan 2016 09:45
  • Thu 8 Jun 2017 22:30
  • Sat 13 Nov 2021 23:45
  • Wed 7 Feb 2024 23:30