Description
Book Synopsis: A concise history of spaceflight, from military rocketry through Sputnik, Apollo, robots in space, space culture, and human spaceflight today.Spaceflight is one of the greatest human achievements of the twentieth century. The Soviets launched Sputnik, the first satellite, in 1957; less than twelve years later, the American Apollo astronauts landed on the Moon. In this volume of the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, Michael Neufeld offers a concise history of spaceflight, mapping the full spectrum of activities that humans have developed in space.
Neufeld explains that “the space program” should not be equated only with human spaceflight. Since the 1960s, unmanned military and commercial spacecraft have been orbiting near the Earth, and robotic deep-space explorers have sent back stunning images of faraway planets. Neufeld begins with the origins of space ideas and the discovery that rocketry could be used for spaceflight. He then discusses the Soviet-U.S. Cold War space race and reminds us that NASA resisted adding female astronauts even after the Soviets sent the first female cosmonaut into orbit. He analyzes the two rationales for the Apollo program: prestige and scientific discovery (this last something of an afterthought). He describes the internationalization and privatization of human spaceflight after the Cold War, the cultural influence of space science fiction, including Star Trek and Star Wars, space tourism for the ultra-rich, and the popular desire to go into space. Whether we become a multiplanet species, as some predict, or continue to call Earth home, this book offers a useful primer.
Details
Discover the remarkable journey of spaceflight with Spaceflight: A Concise History. This captivating book takes you on an exhilarating adventure, from the early days of military rocketry to the groundbreaking Apollo missions and the exploration of faraway planets. Written by renowned space historian Michael Neufeld, it provides a comprehensive overview of the full spectrum of activities humans have accomplished in space.
Uncover the awe-inspiring achievements of the space program as you delve into the pages of this enthralling read. Neufeld sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of space exploration, including unmanned military and commercial spacecraft that have orbited our planet and the incredible images returned by robotic deep-space explorers. You'll be captivated by the fascinating stories behind the discoveries that have shaped our understanding of the universe.
Revealing the intense space race between the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War, Neufeld highlights the determination and ingenuity that fueled this epic rivalry. Learn about the struggles and triumphs of human spaceflight, including the significant milestone of the first female cosmonaut orbiting the Earth. This book will inspire you with tales of courage, scientific discovery, and the unrelenting pursuit of knowledge.
Space isn't just a realm of scientific wonder; it has permeated our culture, influencing everything from literature to film. Neufeld explores the profound impact of space science fiction, from the imaginative world of Star Trek to the beloved phenomenon of Star Wars. Discover how these iconic stories have shaped our collective imagination and continue to inspire countless individuals to dream of venturing beyond our planet.
But space exploration is not reserved solely for the elite. Neufeld discusses the rise of space tourism, offering a glimpse into a future where everyday people can experience the wonders of space firsthand. This thought-provoking book ignites the desire within us all to embrace the unknown and push the boundaries of what is possible.
Embark on an incredible journey through the history of spaceflight and ignite your passion for the mysteries of the universe. Whether you're an avid space enthusiast or just curious about our incredible achievements beyond Earth, Spaceflight: A Concise History is the ultimate guide to our exploration of the cosmos. Don't miss out on this captivating book!
Join the adventure and get your copy of Spaceflight: A Concise History today.
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