The Fated Sky

About “The Fated Sky”

The Fated Sky is the second book in Mary Robinette Kowal's Lady Astronaut series. Set in 1961, it follows Elma York, a female astronaut working on a lunar colony. The International Aerospace Coalition is planning a mission to Mars, but none of the women astronauts are included in the crew. The coalition is hesitant to send women on such a dangerous journey. However, the mission requires a human computer for mid-journey navigation, as the new electronic machines are unreliable. All the available human computers are women, making their inclusion essential. The book continues the alternate history started in The Calculating Stars.