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Available for 26 days

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 Â鶹Éç Radio 4 in May 2012.