A NEW book reveals the stories of 50 inspiration women who have helped guide man into space.

The work of Swindon-based space expert Libby Jackson, the book features well-known astronauts like Briton Helen Sharman.

But it also profiles the well as less well-known, such as mathematician Emilie du Chatelet, who translated scientist Isaac Newton’s ground-breaking book Principia Mathematica.

It’s the first book by Libby, 36, who works at UK Space Agency. Called A Galaxy of Her Own, it is released this week.

“The book is 50 stories of amazing, inspiring women who have played their part in the story and history of space exploration,” said Libby.

“People can name the first man on the moon, they can name the first man in space – but women are not always known about and recognised.

“It was an honour to research their stories.”

She wrote the book in just 10 weeks over early summer – taking no time off her busy day job.

“It was a very interesting challenge,” said Libby, who admitted she was “utterly awful” at English in school. “If opportunities like this come along, you should take them.”

After being commissioned to write the book in April, Libby says she wrote down the names of the inspiration women she knew of connected with space.

“That got me to about 25,” she said. “Then I really had to dig through history and find the stories that I didn’t know.”

The result is potted biographies of 50 “amazing” women – stretching across four centuries.

Libby said: “The thing that links them all is that all of them said, ‘This is my passion, this is what I enjoy – I’m not going to let anyone tell me I can’t do it.

“That’s really my message to young people. Don’t let anyone tell you what to do or stick a label on you. That’s nothing to do with you.”

Libby’s own story reflects that determination. Educated at an all girl’s school, Libby was always interested in space – travelling to Nasa’s famous Houston campus when she was 17.

She joined the UK Space Agency in 2014, working on Tim Peake’s Space Station mission. Libby said: “People ask me, ‘How did you get to where you are today?’ It was never anything more complicated than enjoying something, working hard and seeking jobs and opportunities.”

Now she’s hoping the book will inspire a new generation of people fascinated by space.

Released this week, the book has been illustrated by students from the London College of Communications. Libby said: “It’s beautiful. They’ve just brought all these women to life. I’m so proud of the book – I really hope people enjoy reading it.”

A number of signed copies are available from the Oink Gallery on Victoria Road.

Oink Gallery owner Mark Pepperall said: “The book looks great and it’s nicely illustrated. Libby’s local and I like what her new book’s about. I think it fits in well with the quirky collection in the gallery.”

Libby Jackson’s A Galaxy of Her Own is £16.99. It is available to buy from Oink Gallery and online from www.amazon.co.uk.