McDonnell space book with autographs collected by Rose Church

Courtesy of Ms. Rose Church
#26774

History
Rose Church's fascination with flight started when she took a job as a nurse at McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in 1951. The work of building and testing jet aircraft was potentially dangerous, and she learned about the mechanics of flight in order to respond to the injuries of test pilots and other employees.

Eager to get involved in the space program, Church applied to be the company's nurse for Project Gemini in 1962. When astronauts came to St. louis to test in the altitude chamber, she would certify their vital signs before, during, and after tests. She also worked with pilots to manage the physical effects of weightlessness.

In the course of her work, Church had opportunities to interact with astronauts and test pilots, and she asked them to autograph her comment book.