The Mercury 13:
Trailblazing Women in the Space Race
The story of the "Mercury 13" is one of vision, courage, and persistence in the face of discrimination. This group of 13 women underwent the same grueling physiological and psychological tests as NASA’s male astronauts during the early 1960s, yet they were ultimately barred from flying in space. Their tale highlights both the remarkable achievements of women in the nascent space age and the entrenched gender biases of the era.
The Space Race & the Mercury Program
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Cold War competition between the United States and the Soviet Union spurred unprecedented investments in space exploration. NASA’s Project Mercury sought to send the first Americans into space, with a focus on identifying the best candidates for this high-stakes mission. From a pool of military test pilots, NASA selected seven men—the Mercury Seven—to lead the charge.
Despite the program’s public success, the exclusion of women from astronaut training reflected deep-seated societal biases. Women were deemed unsuitable for spaceflight, not because of their capabilities, but because of cultural and institutional discrimination.
The Origins of the Mercury 13
Dr. William Randolph Lovelace II:
The Visionary Behind the Program
Dr. William Randolph Lovelace II, a prominent physician and aerospace researcher, played a pivotal role in evaluating astronaut candidates for NASA. He was intrigued by the idea that women might have physiological advantages in space, including lower body weight, reduced oxygen consumption, and better endurance in confined spaces. In 1960, Lovelace and his colleague Brigadier General Don Flickinger launched an independent initiative to test women for space readiness.
Selection of the Women
Lovelace recruited women who were experienced pilots, reasoning that their aviation expertise would be invaluable in adapting to the rigors of spaceflight. The initial pool of candidates included more than 25 women, with 13 completing the extensive testing regimen. These women became known as the First Lady Astronaut Trainees (FLATs), though they would later be popularly referred to as the Mercury 13.
The Women of the Mercury 13
Each member of the Mercury 13 was an accomplished aviator, having logged thousands of flight hours. Their diverse backgrounds and extraordinary achievements exemplified their qualifications for space exploration:
Jerrie Cobb: A record-breaking pilot, Cobb logged more than 10,000 hours of flight time and held numerous aviation records. She was the first woman to complete Lovelace’s tests and became a vocal advocate for gender equality in space.
Janey Hart: A mother of eight and an experienced pilot, Hart later became an activist for women’s rights and co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW).
Wally Funk: At just 21 years old, Funk was the youngest of the Mercury 13. She went on to have a distinguished career in aviation and, in 2021, flew to space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard, becoming the oldest person to do so.
Myrtle Cagle: An accomplished flight instructor and one of the few women to hold a Civil Aeronautics Administration rating, Cagle contributed to aviation safety training.
Rhea Hurrle Woltman: A pilot with extensive flight experience, Woltman participated in rigorous testing alongside her male counterparts.
Jean Hixson: Hixson was both a pilot and a teacher, excelling in flight instruction and aviation education.
Irene Leverton: Leverton worked as a flight instructor and charter pilot, embodying the spirit of determination that characterized the Mercury 13.
Sarah Gorelick Ratley: An aeronautical engineer and pilot, Ratley combined technical expertise with hands-on aviation skills.
Jerri Sloan Truhill: A corporate pilot, Truhill demonstrated exceptional precision and composure in her flying career.
Bernice Steadman: Steadman operated a flying school with her husband and was a pioneer in aviation education.
Rhea Allison: Known for her adaptability and resilience, Allison excelled in the rigorous physical tests.
Marion Dietrich: A skilled pilot and aviation professional, Dietrich’s quiet determination made her a standout candidate.
Gene Nora Stumbough Jessen: A commercial pilot and flight instructor, Jessen later became a published author and chronicled her experiences.
The Testing Regimen
The Mercury 13 underwent the same rigorous physical and psychological tests designed for the male astronauts, which included:
Physiological Stress Tests: Candidates were subjected to extreme temperatures, prolonged isolation, and high-gravity simulations to test their resilience.
Psychological Evaluations: These tests assessed cognitive function, decision-making skills, and emotional stability under pressure.
Endurance Challenges: Simulations of confined spaces and limited mobility prepared the candidates for the challenges of space travel.
Despite the grueling conditions, the women consistently matched or exceeded the performance of their male counterparts. For example, Jerrie Cobb demonstrated superior endurance in isolation tests and displayed remarkable poise under stress.
Barriers and Discrimination
Institutional Obstacles
The Mercury 13 were not officially part of NASA's astronaut program. Their testing was privately funded and lacked institutional support. When Cobb and Hart petitioned Congress for equal opportunities, NASA’s leadership and key political figures dismissed their efforts. John Glenn, a Mercury Seven astronaut, famously remarked that the exclusion of women was consistent with societal norms, stating, “The fact that women are not in this field is a fact of our social order.”
Societal Expectations
Cultural stereotypes about gender roles further hindered the Mercury 13. Women were expected to prioritize domestic responsibilities over professional ambitions. Media coverage often trivialized their achievements, portraying them as novelties rather than serious candidates.
Impact and Legacy
The Struggle for Inclusion
Although the Mercury 13 never flew in space, their efforts laid the groundwork for future generations of women astronauts. Their campaign for equality raised awareness of gender disparities in science and engineering and inspired broader movements for women’s rights.
Opening the Door for Women in Space
The Mercury 13's advocacy helped pave the way for NASA to include women in its astronaut corps. In 1978, six women were selected for NASA’s astronaut training program, including Sally Ride, who became the first American woman in space in 1983.
Recognition & Renewed Interest
In 2007, the Mercury 13 were awarded the Adler Planetarium’s Women in Space Science Award, acknowledging their pioneering contributions. Wally Funk’s 2021 spaceflight symbolized the culmination of their decades-long journey to break barriers.
The Future of Women in Space
The Mercury 13’s story remains a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion and equity in science. As the space industry evolves, initiatives like NASA’s Artemis program aim to send the first woman to the Moon, fulfilling a vision that the Mercury 13 championed over 60 years ago. The group’s courage and determination continue to inspire new generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers, ensuring that their legacy endures as a beacon of progress.
The Mercury 13’s journey is a testament to the resilience of women who dared to challenge societal norms and institutional barriers. Their story, once marginalized, has become a celebrated chapter in the history of space exploration, reminding us that talent knows no gender—and that humanity’s quest for the stars is most successful when it embraces the full spectrum of human potential.