Skylab is not just a story of space hardware and space science, but also of space explorers and pioneers. Using official NASA documentation and interviews with the astronauts and key personnel, the inside story of Skylab is presented as the story unfolds. An evaluation of the lessons learnt from the programme and how these were, or were not, incorporated into the Space Shuttle and Space Station programme is also offered to present the value of Skylab in the context of the current programme, 25 years after the last crew came home.

* This is the only book that provides the full story of the role of women in space exploration.

* Previously unpublished photographs of various aspects of training and participation in spaceflights are included.

* Personal interviews with female cosmonauts and astronauts.

* Traces the history of female aviation milestones from the early part of the 20th Century to the current space programme.