Watch This Weekend: Mercury 13

This is an extraordinary film on Netflix that documents the women’s journey to train and be astronauts. The sentiments they faced in the 60s ring true today, albeit more unfiltered back then. Notably President Lyndon Johnson issued a letter about halting the space program for women with a scrawled note emphasizing, “Stop this now!” It was not until 1995 under President Bill Clinton that a woman was selected to pilot a mission into space.

What struck me most was the absolute joy on these women’s faces as they talked about space, flight, and the pursuit of their dreams despite these eminent struggles. Aerospace engineering may not be for everyone. But that joy is.

“To the stars through difficulties.”

-Kansas State Motto