Ep 4. Liftoff

The Astronaut Wives Club season 1 episode 4, titled Liftoff, follows the wives of the Mercury Seven astronauts preparing for their husbands' missions to space. Annie Glenn stands out in this episode, as she faces anxiety and stuttering issues while her husband, John Glenn, is set to be the first American to be launched into orbit. She receives therapy from an unlikely source to help her deal with her stress.

Meanwhile, Rene Carpenter, who is known to be outgoing and rebellious, becomes the target of NASA's public relations campaign to promote the astronauts' wives as wholesome and supportive. She resists playing into this image and becomes resentful of the pressure to conform. She also attempts to connect with Louise Shepard, who is feeling isolated and struggling to adjust to her husband's newfound fame.

Betty Grissom, whose husband Gus was involved in the tragic Apollo 1 fire, is dealing with the aftermath of the accident while trying to maintain her outward appearance of strength for her husband. She becomes frustrated with the lack of communication from NASA, and tensions rise between her and the other wives as they struggle to support her while not wanting to get entangled in the political fallout.

Jo Shirra, frustrated with the lack of recognition for her role as an astronaut wife, takes matters into her own hands and seeks out a journalist to tell her story. This decision backfires when she realizes that the journalist is more interested in sensationalist stories than true reporting.

Throughout the episode, the women grapple with the pressure of their roles as the perfect astronaut wives while trying to maintain their own individuality and cope with the emotional toll of their husbands' dangerous missions. Overall, Liftoff highlights the unique challenges that these women faced during a unique moment in American history.