
"The race for space was fought in high heels."
As America’s astronauts were launched on death-defying missions, Life Magazine documented the astronauts’ families, capturing the behind-the-scenes lives of their young wives. Overnight, these women were transformed from military spouses into American royalty. As their celebrity rose and tragedy began to touch their lives, they rallied together.
Betty Grissom

Rene Carpenter

Louise Shepard

Trudy Cooper

Marge Slayton

Annie Glenn

Jo Schirra

Alan Shepard

Gordo Cooper

Scott Carpenter

Deke Slayton

Gus Grissom

John Glenn

Wally Schirra
