Smithsonian Atlas of Space Exploration

by Roger D. Launius, Andrew K. Johnston

In the history of space exploration, there have been many leaps for humankind. From the foremost experts at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, here is a complete visual narrative of our journey from Earth to the stars. . . . Although the momentous October 4, 1957, launch of Sputnik 1 was not the beginning of humanity's adventure toward space—our curiosity about the skies has been one of the few constants in history—it was the first true venture into orbit. And when future generations think of the twentieth century, they will undoubtedly judge our movement into space, with both machines and people, as a crowning achievement. As we progress in the new millennium, space exploration is vital to managing our global future, as well as to understanding our past and the creation of Earth. The Atlas of Space Exploration depicts the ever-fascinating history of the space age and humanity's progress in exploring new frontiers. Incredible images from NASA and other sources, visual conceptions of Moon bases, and newly commissioned maps reveal a visual history spanning the earliest eras of the universe, the dawn of the space age, the launch of Sputnik , missions to the Moon, robot landings on the terrestrial planets, and the exploration of the outer solar system. These developments in technology are illuminated by a rich historical context, highlighting how space exploration has changed and expanded our vision of the universe.

Genres: Science, Technology, History, Space, Physics, Astronomy

240 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2009

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Dr. Roger D. Launius earned M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in history at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge (American frontier and military history).

Dr. Launius was a civilian historian with the United States Air Force, and became Chief Historian for the Military Airlift Command. Since October 1990 he is Chief Historian for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He is also Senior Curator at the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.

He is also involved in the study of nineteenth century history and the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church).

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The history of space exploration has brought about many leaps for mankind. Here in this coffee-table-sized book, foremost experts from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum offer readers a stunning visual narrative of our journey from the Earth to the stars.

From ancient observatories and the scientists who envisioned space, the narrative takes readers to the beginning of the space age and the gateways to space. Orbiting the Earth and reaching for moon lead readers to other terrestrial worlds, and then across the solar system.

A basic shelf of readings on the history of space exploration is included for further reading.

Highly recommended.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Organized just like the air and space museum exhibits