Animals in Space: From Research Rockets to the Space Shuttle

by Colin Burgess, Chris Dubbs

This book is as a detailed, but highly readable and balanced account of the history of animal space flights carried out by all nations, but principally the United States and the Soviet Union. It explores the ways in which animal high-altitude and space flight research impacted on space flight biomedicine and technology, and how the results - both successful and disappointing - allowed human beings to then undertake that same hazardous journey with far greater understanding and confidence. This complete and authoritative book will undoubtedly become the ultimate authority on animal space flights.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Science

456 pages, Paperback

First published December 22, 2006

Reviews

[Translator Monkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was simply an amazing read. Not just space shots, but everything from balloon atmospheric testing to speed sleds to ejection seat testing, we owe so much to our animal assistants. Some of the tests seem laughable (and cruel) today, but we were operating in a vacuum in the 1940s and beyond, and the scientists working with these animals in all countries, both sides of the Iron Curtain, took great pains to make sure that the creatures were well-equipped, physically and mentally, and were kept as safe as possible. Losses of life were mourned by the men and women who spent their every waking hour making these animals comfortable and free from fear. This is a remarkable work.

[Nate Hendrix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting subject matter, but the book it a little dry. I was hoping for more personal stories from the people that cared for and worked with the animals.