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You're listening to shortwave from NPR.

Hey, your waivers, this is your Captain speaking, Regina Barber.

And first officer Emily Kwong, we are more than halfway through the Space Camp series.

Can you believe that, Gina?

I can't actually, but we've gone past Pluto, we've gone through

birthing stars, contemplated the three body problem and the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.

It's been cool. And today, M, we're going to turn the focus inward to the existence of

our species in space. That's right. Today we're talking about humans living in space.

Because let me tell you, when you get the call that you're going to space, it changes your life.

After years of flying Navy helicopters, Lieutenant Commander Wendy Lawrence was teaching physics at the

U.S. Naval Academy when the phone rang. I'm sitting in my office, the phone rings, I answer it, you know,

lieutenant commander, Wendy Lawrence may help you sir or ma'am.

Hi, Wendy, how you doing?

This is Don Putty calling from the Johnson Space Center.

Immediately I know. Ooh this is the good phone call. With this call Wendy

became the first active duty female naval officer selected for NASA's astronaut program,

which meant Wendy couldn't tell anyone for 24 hours.

They told me I had to keep it a secret.

My first official responsibility is a new astronaut candidate and I'm not going to screw up.

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