Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Comprehensive illustrated guide to the history of U.S. and international space exploration, both manned and unmanned Throughout history, humans have been fascinated by space. From the Babylonian astronomers of 700 BCE who charted the paths of planets, to the ancient Inca and Aztec builders of early astronomical observatories, to the launch of Sputnik 1 on October 4, 1957, and the Moon landing, through today's private and public space exploration endeavors, we have always looked to the skies to learn about our place in the universe. The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration is the first in-depth, fully illustrated history of global space discovery and exploration from ancient times to the modern era.
Space historian Roger D. Launius examines the thousands of years that humans have endeavored to understand the universe, including the pioneering work undertaken by the ancients of Greece, Rome, and China; the great astronomical discoveries of Renaissance thinkers such as Copernicus, Galileo, and Kepler; and the technological and mechanical breakthroughs that have enabled the human race to explore far beyond our own planet in recent decades. He also reveals the future of space exploration, speculating on forthcoming space travel and humans' possible future as an extraterrestrial species. The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration is a must-read for space buffs and everyone intrigued by the history of scientific discovery.
Synopsis
The first in-depth, fully illustrated history of global space discovery and exploration from ancient times to the modern era The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration presents a comprehensive history of international space exploration paired with photographs, illustrations, graphics, and sidebars on key scientific and technological developments, influential figures, and pioneering spacecraft. Former NASA and Smithsonian space curator and historian Roger D. Launius explores human's endeavors to understand the universe, honoring millennia of human curiosity, ingenuity, and achievement.
The book examines space exploration's origins in the pioneering work undertaken by the ancients of Greece, Rome, and China, and moves through the great discoveries of Renaissance thinkers including Copernicus, Galileo, and Kepler. It offers new insight into well-known moments such as the launch of Sputnik 1 and the Apollo Moon landing, and explores the unexpected events and hidden figures of space history.
Presenting the technological and mechanical breakthroughs enabling humans to explore far beyond our own planet in recent decades, it also speculates on the future of space exploration including space tourism and our possible future as an extraterrestrial species. This is a must-read for space buffs and everyone intrigued by the history and future of scientific discovery.
Synopsis
The first in-depth, fully illustrated history of global space discovery and exploration from ancient times to the modern era "The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration examines civilization's continued desire to explore the next frontier as only the Smithsonian can do it." --Buzz Aldrin, Gemini 12 and Apollo 11 astronaut and author of No Dream Is Too High
Former NASA and Smithsonian space curator and historian Roger D. Launius presents a comprehensive history of our endeavors to understand the universe, honoring millennia of human curiosity, ingenuity, and achievement.
This extensive study of international space exploration is packed with over 500 photographs, illustrations, graphics, and cutaways, plus plenty of sidebars on key scientific and technological developments, influential figures, and pioneering spacecraft.
Starting with space exploration's origins in the pioneering work undertaken by ancient civilizations and the great discoveries of the Renaissance thinkers, Launius also devotes whole chapters to our space race to the Moon, space planes and orbital stations, and the lure of the red planet Mars.
He also offers new insights into well-known moments such as the launch of Sputnik 1 and the Apollo Moon landing and explores the unexpected events and hidden figures of space history.
The final chapters cover the technological and mechanical breakthroughs enabling humans to explore far beyond our own planet in recent decades, speculating on the future of space exploration, including space tourism and our possible future as an extraterrestrial species. This is a must-read for space buffs and everyone intrigued by the history and future of scientific discovery.
"This oversize offering is a space nerd's dream come true." --Booklist