High Flyers

Valentina Tereshkova - better than the American male astronauts who preceded her.

As the first electric commercial aircraft takes flight in Vancouver, Tom and I look at the lengths people have gone to over the past millennium to reach for the skies.

Tom goes to the spot where Eilmer of Malmesbury, an 11th century English monk, made one of the earliest attempts at flight in the British Isles. Inspired by the Greek fable of Daedalus, he strapped wings to his hands and feet and jumped from the abbey tower. He broke both his legs.

And I visit the Science Museum to find out about the first woman in space. At the age of 26, Valentina Tereshkova, orbited the earth 48 times over 3 days and parachuted out of the capsule to land safely in Siberia.

I also got to chat to Beyrl Markham’s niece about her extraordinary aunt. Growing up in Kenya, she naturally took to the skys and was challenged by a dude (who she had refused to sleep with) to fly from the UK to the USA… against the wind - a feat which surely should have killed her… and very nearly did.

I do hope you’re liking the series. You can listen on BBC Sounds and provide feedback by following this link .If you have a moment, that would be excellent of you. I’m dead proud to be part of it!