This oral history collection is an integral part of my research on astronaut families during the Moonshot era. It captures the voices and lived experiences of those who were part of this history—the children and wives of the astronauts who played a role in one of the most defining moments of the 20th century. 

I was a participant in this era; I was part of the cohort. These were my neighbors and friends. As a sociologist, my personal connection to this history informs my approach to these interviews—what we call “positionality” in research. My position within this story shapes my understanding, my questions, and my interactions with the people I interview. 

While my primary role is to listen, document, and preserve their perspectives, due to my positionality, these oral history interviews are also conversations. My insider’s perspective allows me to ask questions that resonate with shared experiences, prompting reflections that might not surface in a traditional interview setting. At times, interviewees ask me questions in return—about my own experiences, my memories, and my perspectives. When these moments arise, I engage in the conversation, understanding that I, too, am part of this history. 

These oral histories offer a deeper, more personal look at astronaut family life, moving beyond media portrayals to capture the everyday realities, challenges, and moments of joy that shaped this unique experience. Through these conversations, I hope to preserve and share a more nuanced understanding of the astronaut family experience for future generations.