The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration: From the Ancient World to the Extraterrestrial Future

KIRKUS REVIEWS - STARRED REVIEW
A generously illustrated, wonderfully detailed survey of space exploration by a Smithsonian curator who was also a chief historian of NASA for more than two decades.The boundless open sky has always lured people to look upward in wonder, and Launius (Historical Analogs for the Stimulation of Space Commerce, 2014, etc.) tells the story of the scientists who made dreams of traveling through space a reality. "The story of space exploration was motivated by fantastic dreams, the spirit of discovery, and the thrill of voyaging into the unknown," he writes. "Properly conducted, space explo ration can provide a hopeful future." From early rocketry to the possibility of interstellar flight, the author explains how it works and what the stakes are, and he does it effectively, without relying on jargon. His clear and concise writing takes readers through scientific and mechanical achievements, as he revels in such details as how pressure suits were designed and what a lunar research station would look like. Astronomers from ancient times through the present have worked to understand the cosmos and achieve space travel, and they have made great strides, including sending a man to the moon and launching satellites to the far reaches of the galaxy. Launius argues that even these accomplishments are just a taste of what is possible, not only in terms of manned space exploration, but also in regard to our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of life—and, perhaps, extraterrestrial intelligence. On every page, stunning photographs provide a visual history of the incredible people and mechanics behind each groundbreaking advance, setting this volume apart from others. Readers of all ages will discover something new every time they revisit these pages. Part history, part nostalgia, part cutting-edge science, this entertaining book reminds us of the magnitude of space flight—and hints at what's to come.

BOOKLIST
This oversize offering is a space nerd’s dream come true. Appealing one- and two-page spreads address everything celestial, from ancient astronomers to sixteenth- century, dogma-changing scientific discoveries to rudimentary weapons and warfare, Sputnik, our current space age, and future of exoplanetary exploration. The international, rounded coverage considers technology, of course (specifications, satellites, space crafts, suits, propulsion models, surface rovers, probes) plus social context: people, politics, international treaties, commercialization, tourism, triumphs and disasters, media coverage, books, movies, and those ever-popular alien conspiracy theories. Pages are laden with graphics, which include illustrations, reproductions, maps, archival photos, charts, graphs, and timelines, all accompanied by captions and credits. Fun for reading cover to cover or dipping into, the book is also set up in a logical, roughly chronological flow, which will assist with research. Whether used as a beginning point for research (no source notes, alas), a lure for browsers, or an irresistible read for fans of strange new worlds (to infinity and beyond!), this will make a handsome addition to popular science collections.

“The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration examines civilization’s continued desire to explore the next frontier as only the Smithsonian can do it. Roger D. Launius has put together an extraordinary history that I’m incredibly proud to be a part of. The great thing about this book is that, in addition to looking back at an amazing history in space, it also inspires us to look forward to an exciting future.”
—Buzz Aldrin, Gemini 12 and Apollo 11 astronaut and author of No Dream Is Too High

“Roger D. Launius has written a wonderfully clear history of space flight and space programs. For thousands of years, humans have looked to the skies for guidance, understanding, and spiritual comfort. Questions still stand, however: Why do we have space programs, and why is space exploration so important to our species? The answer is age-old: we do it because exploration is one of our driving needs. This interesting and concise book gives us the full story of space exploration in very readable form and helps us understand how we got to where we are today.”
—Al Worden, Command Module Pilot for Apollo 15 and author of Falling to Earth

“How, in the span of a single lifetime, did human beings develop and use the technology to leave their home planet and explore the universe? With his expert knowledge of space history, Launius conveys the extraordinary saga from its earliest beginnings through its spectacular triumphs and stinging failures to our ongoing struggle to become a multiplanet species.”
—Andrew Chaikin, author of A Man on the Moon

“It’s all here! In The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration, Launius provides brief and authoritative vignettes of every conceivable facet of the space enterprise, accompanied by many evocative images that capture the adventure of humanity’s push off its home planet.”
—John M. Logsdon, Space Policy Institute, George Washington University