Miss Baker has always dreamed of being an astronaut. Born in Peru and raised in Miami, she always looked up at the stars. The year is 1959. She is chosen by the Navy to train for launch into space, but faces much sexism, in the form of groping, indecent proposals, and degrading language. But she practices every day, slowing her heart rate, meditating, and preparing. One by one, her competition are eliminated, until she is the only one left for the job.

Along with Miss Able, another astronaut from the Army's program, Miss Baker is launched into space from Cape Canaveral. The journey is successful, and she survives the landing. At this point in the story, it is revealed that Miss Baker is actually a squirrel monkey, and along with Miss Able, was one of the first animals launched into space successfully.

Miss Baker does many interviews, gets married, and reminisces about her magical moment in space. The story ends with a historical photo of the monkey.