Exploring Space (SuperHERoes of Science)

Book excerpt: This brand-new series highlights some of the major contributions women have made in the world of science. From studying stars and discovering comets to flying into space as pioneering astronauts, women have been central to learning about space. Female astronomers gave us our first understanding of how large the universe really is and how much matter it contains. They were key to designing humans' first rocket-powered flights into space. And as soon as women could go into space themselves, they were eager to do so: some 65 women have now become space travelers. This book tells their stories and describes their vital contributions.