On a Mission: Three Generations of U.S. Women Astronauts

Sally Ride became a household name as the first American woman in space, but scores of equally impressive women have also left their mark in space. Valerie Neal's On a Mission: The Smithsonian History of US Women Astronauts spans 45 years and the epic journeys of women who made space for themselves in a male-dominated field.

Valerie Neal, Hot Springs native and emerita curator in Space History at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, offers a culturally insightful history of the experiences of women astronauts, the challenges they've faced, and their distinctive stories. Collectively, they've completed more than 100 space shuttle missions and more than 30 long-duration stays on the International Space Station and Russian Space Station Mir, and they continue to prove themselves in present-day space exploration efforts.

On a Mission is an inspiring tribute to unsung women's history. A book-signing will follow Dr. Neal’s presentation.