In the aftermath of a cataclysmic meteorite impact in 1952 that devastates the east coast of the United States and threatens the future of humanity on Earth, the race to colonize space takes on unprecedented urgency. Among the vanguard of this colossal effort is Elma York, a former WASP pilot and a brilliant mathematician, whose skills secure her a pivotal role within the International Aerospace Coalition. Tasked with the critical calculations required to propel humanity toward the stars, Elma quickly confronts the era's stark gender inequalities. Surrounded by women of equal talent and determination, she begins to question the barriers keeping them earthbound. The Calculating Stars unfolds the gripping tale of Elma's relentless pursuit to transcend the confines of her time and claim her space among the stars. As the planet inches closer to becoming inhospitable, Elma’s fight becomes not just for her own dream of soaring beyond Earth's atmosphere but also for the inclusion of all women in the future of space exploration. With every equation she solves, Elma challenges the societal norms of the 1950s, igniting a fierce determination to overcome prejudice and become the first Lady Astronaut. Mary Robinette Kowal crafts a compelling narrative of resilience and ambition against the backdrop of an alternate post-war America, where the imperatives of survival catalyze extraordinary leaps towards equality and space colonization.