Ep 1. Launch

In the premiere episode of The Astronaut Wives Club, entitled "Launch," viewers are introduced to the wives of the famed Mercury Seven astronauts. Set in the early 1960s during the height of the space race, the show offers a glimpse into the glamorous and highly publicized lives of these women.

The episode starts off with a bang as the husbands of the astronaut wives take off on their first mission into space. As the wives watch their husbands' launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, the tension and excitement are palpable. But as the countdown reaches zero and the rocket takes off, the wives are consumed with fear and uncertainty about what lies ahead for their husbands.

Once the launch is complete, the wives are left to deal with the media frenzy that follows. They become instant celebrities, hounded by reporters and photographers wherever they go. And while some of the wives relish in the attention, others struggle to maintain their privacy and find themselves trapped in the public eye.

As the episode progresses, viewers are introduced to each of the wives in turn. There's Louise Shepard, the strong-willed and fiercely independent wife of Alan Shepard, the first American in space. Then there's Trudy Cooper, the feisty and ambitious wife of Gordo Cooper, who struggles to balance her desire for independence with her commitment to her husband and children.

Next up is Annie Glenn, the soft-spoken and nurturing wife of John Glenn, who wrestles with a debilitating stutter and fears for her husband's safety. Rene Carpenter is the flamboyant and outgoing wife of Scott Carpenter, who embraces the spotlight and causes a stir with her party girl antics.

Finally, we meet Betty Grissom, the stoic and reserved wife of Gus Grissom, who keeps her feelings in check even as her husband faces a life-threatening accident during a training exercise.

Throughout the episode, the wives face a variety of challenges as they navigate their new status as public figures. They must learn to juggle their own needs and desires with the demands of their husbands' careers, all while dealing with the constant scrutiny of the media.

Despite the difficulties they face, the wives remain steadfast in their support of their husbands. They band together to form the Astronaut Wives Club, a tight-knit community that provides comfort and companionship during the trials and triumphs of the space program.

Overall, "Launch" sets the stage for a fascinating and engaging series that explores the lives of these remarkable women. With a stellar ensemble cast, gorgeous period costumes and sets, and a compelling mix of drama and humor, this show is sure to captivate viewers from start to finish. So buckle up and get ready for liftoff – because The Astronaut Wives Club is about to take you on a thrilling ride!