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

by Roger D. Launius

Overview

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

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781588346377
Publisher:	Smithsonian Institution Press
Publication date:	10/23/2018
Pages:	400
Sales rank:	480,657
Product dimensions:	8.90(w) x 10.10(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

ROGER D. LAUNIUS is former associate director of collections and curatorial affairs at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. From 1990 to 2002, he served as chief historian of NASA. He has authored and coauthored numerous books, including Hubble's Legacy.

Editorial Reviews

"The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration is an ideal gift book" —Christian Science Monitor

"Space historian Roger D. Launius recounts the thousands of years that mankind has attempted to learn more about the universe in a fully illustrated history of global space discovery and exploration from ancient times to modern era." —USA Today
 
"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. 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." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
 
"This oversize offering is a space nerd’s dream come true. 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." —Booklist
 
"Reminds readers that almost anything humans have envisioned, they've accomplished" —Space.com
 
“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

From the Publisher

09/01/2018
Launius (former associate director, Collections and Curatorial Affairs, Smithsonian Air and Space Museum) lends his expertise to this comprehensive history of space exploration. In the first chapter, the author briefly examines space discoveries from ancient times to the 1930s. In the remaining sections, he covers the period from World War II onward, when space exploration accelerated dramatically; in particular, technological advances in rocketry, which increased rapidly during the war, especially in Germany. After the conflict, Nazi scientists and equipment were captured by the Allies and then brought to both the United States and the Soviet Union resulting in the space race. This competition between the two superpowers led to advances such as the first satellite, the first manned space mission, and the moon landing. The author also examines the space programs of China, Japan, Great Britain, and elsewhere. He speculates about lunar tourism, humans on Mars, and the pursuit of interstellar space exploration. Furthermore, Launius recognizes the impact of space exploration on popular culture in sf books and movies. VERDICT A recommended introduction to space exploration, this readable history is further supplemented with sidebars, historical photographs, and charts.—Dave Pugl, Ela Area P.L., Lake Zurich, IL

Library Journal

★ 2018-06-27
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 exploration 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.

Kirkus Reviews