Atmosphere

By the summer of 1983, the newness of Joan and Vanessa’s relationship has worn off, but the two feel safe and comfortable together, and Joan suspects that their relationship could last forever. In June, Vanessa and Joan are out at a bar with Lydia, Griff, Donna, and Hank. It’s two days before the launch of STS-7, which will be when Sally Ride will become the first American woman in space.

As everyone is discussing the best song about space, Lydia speaks up and says that if anything goes wrong with the launch, people will find a way to blame it on Sally Ride. If that happens, the misogyny that follows won’t just make it more difficult for women at NASA to advance in their careers but will also deal a blow to all women in the U.S. Vanessa reaches over and briefly holds Lydia’s hand. Lydia then makes a joke. Two days later, the STS-7 launch goes well, and a week after, the shuttle returns to Earth without any issues. Though they don’t say it, Vanessa and Joan both know that the door is now open for them to be chosen to go to space.  

In August, NASA hosts a hot air balloon festival. Joan is surprised when Barbara says she wants to come. When Barbara arrives with Frances, Joan notices that Barbara is wearing an engagement ring but doesn’t say anything. Barbara has been together with Daniel for more than a year now. Frances is now nine years old. At the festival, Joan is surprised by how encouraging Barbara is about Joan’s career. She’s also surprised by how knowledgeable Barbara is about Joan’s goals to help advance science by going into space. Joan says she doesn’t know when, or if, she’ll get chosen to go to space. Barbara then says how proud she and Frances are of Joan, and Barbara is touched. Barbara then shows Joan her engagement ring, and Joan congratulates her.

On a Monday in September, Joan gets a call from Antonio, who asks to see her the next morning. When Joan goes to the meeting, Antonio asks her if she would like to go to space. He explains that she was chosen for her expertise and will help with “solar investigations.” Additionally, Joan was chosen for her calmness and her commitment to teamwork. She’ll be part of a crew with a few other people she knows, but Joan is the first (and so far only) person from her training cohort who has received the call to go to space. When Joan tells Vanessa, Vanessa is sad that she wasn’t chosen herself but is overjoyed for Joan.

A few days later, the announcement is made public. Everyone congratulates Joan except for Lydia, who avoids her. A few days later, Lydia shows up at Joan’s apartment. Lydia asks Joan why she was chosen and not Lydia. Joan tries to explain that Lydia thinks she is better than everyone, but that competitive mindset puts Lydia at odds with others when they all need to work together and be part of a team. Lydia makes a joke, and Joan then hugs Lydia. Lydia is surprised but then reciprocates Joan’s hug.