The History of Human Space Flight
Military Writers Society of America Awards, Gold Medal for History Highlighting men and women across the globe who have dedicated themselves to pushing the limits of space exploration, this book surveys the programs, technological advancements, medical equipment, and automated systems that have made space travel possible. Beginning with the invention of balloons that lifted early explorers into the stratosphere, Ted Spitzmiller describes how humans first came to employ lifting gasses such as hydrogen and helium. He traces the influence of science fiction writers on the development of rocket science, looks at the role of rocket societies in the early twentieth century, and discusses the use of rockets in World War II warfare. Spitzmiller considers the engineering and space medicine advances that finally enabled humans to fly beyond the earth's atmosphere during the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. He recreates the excitement felt around the world as Yuri Gagarin and John Glenn completed their first orbital flights. He recounts triumphs and tragedies, such as Neil Armstrong's "one small step" and the Challenger and Columbia disasters. The story continues with the development of the International Space Station, NASA's interest in asteroids and Mars, and the emergence of China as a major player in the space arena. Spitzmiller shows the impact of space flight on human history and speculates on the future of exploration beyond our current understandings of physics and the known boundaries of time and space.
"1124657497"
The History of Human Space Flight
Military Writers Society of America Awards, Gold Medal for History Highlighting men and women across the globe who have dedicated themselves to pushing the limits of space exploration, this book surveys the programs, technological advancements, medical equipment, and automated systems that have made space travel possible. Beginning with the invention of balloons that lifted early explorers into the stratosphere, Ted Spitzmiller describes how humans first came to employ lifting gasses such as hydrogen and helium. He traces the influence of science fiction writers on the development of rocket science, looks at the role of rocket societies in the early twentieth century, and discusses the use of rockets in World War II warfare. Spitzmiller considers the engineering and space medicine advances that finally enabled humans to fly beyond the earth's atmosphere during the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. He recreates the excitement felt around the world as Yuri Gagarin and John Glenn completed their first orbital flights. He recounts triumphs and tragedies, such as Neil Armstrong's "one small step" and the Challenger and Columbia disasters. The story continues with the development of the International Space Station, NASA's interest in asteroids and Mars, and the emergence of China as a major player in the space arena. Spitzmiller shows the impact of space flight on human history and speculates on the future of exploration beyond our current understandings of physics and the known boundaries of time and space.
39.95 In Stock
The History of Human Space Flight

The History of Human Space Flight

by Ted Spitzmiller
The History of Human Space Flight

The History of Human Space Flight

by Ted Spitzmiller

Hardcover

$39.95 
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Overview

Military Writers Society of America Awards, Gold Medal for History Highlighting men and women across the globe who have dedicated themselves to pushing the limits of space exploration, this book surveys the programs, technological advancements, medical equipment, and automated systems that have made space travel possible. Beginning with the invention of balloons that lifted early explorers into the stratosphere, Ted Spitzmiller describes how humans first came to employ lifting gasses such as hydrogen and helium. He traces the influence of science fiction writers on the development of rocket science, looks at the role of rocket societies in the early twentieth century, and discusses the use of rockets in World War II warfare. Spitzmiller considers the engineering and space medicine advances that finally enabled humans to fly beyond the earth's atmosphere during the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. He recreates the excitement felt around the world as Yuri Gagarin and John Glenn completed their first orbital flights. He recounts triumphs and tragedies, such as Neil Armstrong's "one small step" and the Challenger and Columbia disasters. The story continues with the development of the International Space Station, NASA's interest in asteroids and Mars, and the emergence of China as a major player in the space arena. Spitzmiller shows the impact of space flight on human history and speculates on the future of exploration beyond our current understandings of physics and the known boundaries of time and space.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780813054278
Publisher: University Press of Florida
Publication date: 03/21/2017
Pages: 648
Sales rank: 1,082,013
Product dimensions: 6.30(w) x 9.40(h) x 1.80(d)

About the Author

Ted Spitzmiller, retired from the Los Alamos National Laboratory, is a pilot and flight instructor. He is the author of many books, including the two-volume work Astronautics.

Table of Contents

Foreword ix

Acknowledgments xi

Prologue xiii

Introduction 1

1 Aerostats Open the Vista 3

2 Creating Rocket Science 21

3 Maturing the Technology 41

4 Space Medicine on the Threshold 56

5 Rocket-Powered Aircraft 83

6 Cold War Arms Race 105

7 The Race into Space 115

8 Developing a Manned Spacecraft 136

9 The First Orbital Flights 168

10 Exploring the Unknown 210

11 Commitment to the Moon 225

12 Rendezvous Is the Key 233

13 Conceiving a Moon Rocket 251

14 Gemini Captures the Lead 276

15 Project Apollo 317

16 Death Stalks the Astronauts 334

17 The Circumlunar Goal 350

18 One Small Step 383

19 Exploring the Moon 414

20 The First Space Stations 448

21 Designing a Reusable Spacecraft 482

22 Engineering the Space Shuttle 498

23 The Reality of Failure 521

24 Mir: A Durable Space Station 542

25 A Permanent Presence in Space 558

26 Unfulfilled Soviet Efforts 573

27 Return of the Expendable Rocket 581

28 The Next Generation of Manned Spacecraft 588

Epilogue: What Will the Future Bring? 603

List of Acronyms and Abbreviations 607

Bibliography 611

Index 615

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"A fascinating human saga of dedication, competition, sacrifice, and achievement."—Dave Finley, National Radio Astronomy Observatory "An ambitious and thorough history, extending back to the earliest risk takers and innovators who laid the groundwork for the astronauts and cosmonauts who would break the bonds of Earth."—George Leopold, author of Calculated Risk "Brings many of the personalities in the exploration of space to life. Spitzmiller offers a great perspective on issues from Von Braun's involvement with the Nazi Party to Grissom's infamous hatch."—Sidney M. Gutierrez, former NASA shuttle commander "A wonderfully synthetic and penetrating account of humankind's historic ventures into space."—James R. Hansen, author of First Man "A well-researched space history full of little-known details that all space enthusiasts will want."—Marianne J. Dyson, author of A Passion for Space

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