Congressional Gold Medal Nomination for the FLATs

Starting in 1960, 13 experienced female pilots underwent many of the same physical and psychological tests as the Mercury 7 astronauts and often performed better. Though they never flew in space, the First Lady Astronaut Trainess (FLATs), also known as “the Mercury 13”, provided evidence that women would be able to tolerate space’s extreme environments.

The Congressional Gold Medal, our nation’s highest civilian honor, has been given over 200 times. Fewer than 10% of the medals have been received by women, however, and just five have been awarded for outstanding contributions in air and space exploration. The good news is that legislation to award Gold Medals to the “Hidden Figures” is moving forward and the better news is that momentum is building to also support a nomination for the FLATs.

Learn more about the nomination and these trail-blazing women here, or visit the Women in Astronomy page and the NASA History Office.

You could also watch the 2018 Netflix documentary or read Martha Ackmann’s book.

If you think these women are worthy of a nomination and a Medal, please sign the petition and/or contact your representative to let him/her/them know you support this effort. And please help to spread the word. Thank you!