The Six

The Six by Loren Grush

The Six tells the remarkable true story of the first group of American women selected to become NASA astronauts—a groundbreaking moment that reshaped the history of space exploration. Set against the backdrop of the Space Race and the cultural barriers of the mid-20th century, this powerful narrative reveals how perseverance, talent, and courage helped redefine who belonged in the astronaut corps.

During the Apollo era, NASA limited astronaut selection to military test pilots, a field dominated entirely by men. Women were routinely discouraged from pursuing careers in science and aviation and deemed unqualified for spaceflight. Over time, however, NASA began to recognize the limitations of this approach and opened the application process to a broader and more diverse pool of candidates.

From more than 8,000 applicants in 1978, six extraordinary women were chosen: Sally Ride, Judy Resnik, Anna Fisher, Kathy Sullivan, Shannon Lucid, and Rhea Seddon. Loren Grush chronicles their intense training, technical achievements, and the cultural challenges they faced, including relentless media scrutiny and entrenched sexism. Together, these pioneers helped design and operate the missions and technologies that defined a new era of human spaceflight.

The book also honors the legacy of Judy Resnik, who lost her life in the Challenger disaster, and highlights the lasting impact of each of the Six—from Sally Ride’s historic first flight to the enduring contributions of her fellow astronauts. Both inspiring and deeply human, The Six is a compelling group biography that celebrates resilience, innovation, and the pursuit of equality in one of humanity’s most demanding frontiers.

Key Features

• Written by Loren Grush, soft cover
• The true story of the first six American women astronauts
• Exploration of gender barriers in the early space program
• Behind-the-scenes look at NASA training and missions
• Profiles of Sally Ride, Judy Resnik, Anna Fisher, Kathy Sullivan, Shannon Lucid, and Rhea Seddon
• Insight into the Challenger tragedy and its impact
• Engaging narrative blending history, biography, and space exploration
• Ideal for readers interested in space history, aviation, and social change