SERIES PREMIERE

"THE ASTRONAUT WIVES CLUB" TO PREMIERE ON ABC THURSDAY, JUNE 18

A Compelling New Drama Follows the Lives of Seven Women Who Were Key Players Behind Some of the Biggest Events in American History

"The Astronaut Wives Club" - A new television drama series based on the book by Lily Koppel, focuses on seven women who were key players behind some of the biggest events in American history. As America's astronauts were launched on death-defying missions, the lives of their young wives were transformed, seemingly overnight, from military spouses to American royalty. As their celebrity rose, and tragedy began to touch their lives, they rallied together. "The Astronaut Wives Club" premieres THURSDAY, JUNE 18 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

"The Astronaut Wives Club" stars JoAnna Garcia Swisher as Betty Grissom; Yvonne Strahovski as Rene Carpenter; Dominique McElligott as Louise Shepard; Odette Annable as Trudy Cooper; Erin Cummings as Marge Slayton; Azure Parsons as Annie Glenn; Zoe Boyle as Jo Schirra; Desmond Harrington as Alan Shepard; Bret Harrison as Gordo Cooper; Wilson Bethel as Scott Carpenter; Kenneth Mitchell as Deke Slayton; Joel Johnstone as Gus Grissom; Sam Reid as John Glenn and Aaron McCusker as Wally Schirra. The first episode was directed by Lone Scherfig, director of the Academy Award(R)-nominated film "An Education."

"The Astronaut Wives Club" is executive produced by Stephanie Savage ("Gossip Girl," "The O.C."); Josh Schwartz ("The O.C"; "Chuck"); Len Goldstein ("The Carrie Diaries," "Hart of Dixie"); Michael London ("Milk," "Appaloosa") and Janice Williams ("All Good Things," "The Hollars").

The series is produced by ABC Studios, Fake Empire and Groundswell and is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format with 5.1 channel surround sound. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate.