“Atmosphere” is a historical fiction novel set in the late 1970s and early 1980s during the development of NASA’s space shuttle program. I am struggling with the realization that I am old enough for my youth to be considered historical. The novel begins in 1984 during an emergency in space and continues to alternate between 1980 and 1984. This novel centers on the astronauts’ selection and training. At this time, women had not been chosen to be astronauts. This book is not based on a true story but closely follows the space program training process.
The main character is Joan Goodwin, who is a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University. Joan has been obsessed with the stars since she was a child. She has been content teaching and being an aunt to her niece. She happens upon an advertisement seeking the first women to enter NASA’s space shuttle program. She becomes excited at the possibility of becoming one of the few people to go to space. She is chosen from thousands of applicants in the summer of 1980. Joan will need to split her time between training and taking care of her niece because Joan’s sister is overwhelmed with being a single parent.
Training begins at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Astronauts typically have a master’s degree and at least two years of professional experience or they may have 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time. The process is very competitive. Astronaut Candidate Training lasts about two years and focuses on developing knowledge and the skills for their specific mission.
The classroom part of the training focuses on learning the shuttle systems and orbital mechanics. The physical training includes survival training on land and at sea. They learn to scuba and prep for a spacewalk. They must prepare for emergency situations involving high and low atmospheric pressure. Those heading to the International Space Station learn Russian. Candidates must pass a swimming test and tread water while wearing flight suits. Astronauts spend hundreds of hours in simulators to learn about the spacecraft and mission control. Once assigned to a mission, they receive specialized training, such as practicing space walks and learning to operate robotic arms. After astronauts finish a mission, they continue to train for future missions.
During the training, the future astronauts develop deep friendships. Joan falls in love with an astronaut in her training group. As the relationship deepens, they must keep it a secret, which complicates their training. They even hide the relationship from their families. But, secrets are hard to keep.
“Atmosphere” is a compelling novel that keeps the reader enthralled. It’s the first book I have read by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I will probably read more.
Taylor Jenkins Reid is a New York Times best selling author. Learn more about her at taylorjenkinsreid.com.
