Seven women are transformed, seemingly overnight, from military spouses to American royalty as they prepare for the mission of a lifetime when NASA chooses their husbands – talented test pilots from around the country – to be the first Americans in space! These women who once were strangers rally around their husbands and their country. With death defying missions underway, these women form a bond only they could understand.
As Louise and Alan Shepard bask in the success of his mission, Betty Grissom preps for Gus' launch and turns to Louise for advice. And Annie Glenn grapples with her stutter, anticipating that the press will want to hear from her after John's orbit is completed.
The women ready themselves for Scott Carpenter's launch and a move to Houston. Rene receives the opportunity to tell her story in LIFE Magazine, and Deke deals with some troubling news that puts his future as an astronaut in doubt.
While the Cold War intensifies and the Cuban Missile Crisis comes to a head, the Mercury 7 families begin glamorous new lives in Houston. But Houston also marks the start of the Gemini Project, and with it, the arrival of the Gemini wives, which changes the dynamic among all the women. Marge and Deke embrace new roles after learning about Deke’s permanent status, and Trudy and Gordo’s personal “cold war” begins to thaw.
As the struggle for Civil Rights upends the nation, the Astrowives fight their own battles in their marriages and the world at large. Trudy learns of attempts to quash a budding astronaut training program for women, and John Glenn considers a run for public office.
Astronaut John Glenn has his sights set on a political career and hits the campaign trail with wife Annie and Rene Carpenter by his side as he runs for the Ohio senate, while Alan Shepherd quietly grapples with a personal matter that could ground his career forever. Meanwhile, Betty Grissom receives an unsettling letter regarding Gus that challenges their marriage.
With the launch of the Gemini missions and the Apollo program's progress, pressure on the wives grows; Marilyn Lovell conceals a pregnancy.
Betty is forced to face a grim reality--and plan for the future--as she embarks on a battle for justice.
The country seems to be spiraling out of control and the wives are struggling to find their place in the world, especially Jo, who must redefine her role and priorities now that Wally is no longer working at NASA. Meanwhile, Louise wrestles with the fear of losing Alan as he contemplates undergoing a risky surgery; at the same time, Susan Borman grapples with uncertainty as the Apollo 8 mission goes where no man has been before.
The wives are interviewed for a documentary on the space program; Gordo is not chosen for the next mission; Trudy must make decisions about the future; Betty finds a way to honor Gus' legacy.
