The New Guys by Meredith BagbyI am delighted to welcome author and space historian Meredith Bagby to our show today. Meredith has just released her latest book, "THE NEW GUYS: The Historic Class of Astronauts That Broke Barriers and Changed the Face of Space Travel". In this captivating work, Meredith delves into the story of the first class of civilian astronauts for the space shuttle, and their enduring impact on the American space program.The first class of civilian astronauts for the Space Shuttle program was selected in 1978, as part of NASA's effort to diversify the astronaut corps and bring in more non-military personnel. The class included two women, Sally Ride and Judith Resnik, as well as three men, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, and Gregory Jarvis. The civilian astronauts brought a range of expertise to the space program, from physics and engineering to medicine and social sciences. Their selection marked an important shift in the space program, demonstrating NASA's commitment to opening up space travel to a broader range of Americans. Tragically, two members of the class, Resnik and Onizuka, were among the crew of the Challenger space shuttle that was lost in the 1986 explosion, underscoring the risks and challenges of space exploration. However, their legacy lives on, inspiring new generations of astronauts and space enthusiasts to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space travel.As a historian and expert on space exploration, Meredith's research and insights are second to none. Her book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of space travel, and for those who are inspired by the courage and determination of the early pioneers of spaceflight.