Going into Space

by Arthur C. Clarke

This book, in non-technical, but scientifically accurate terms, tells the history of rocket development; man's achievements in dealing with the forces and laws that govern the universe; the possibilities of traveling to the different planets of the solar system; the construction of a space ship, including the means for launching, controlling power, accommodating passengers and landing; and the prospect of establishing temporary and permanent space stations above the Earth's stratosphere for such purposes as communications and refueling.

117 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1954

About the author

Stories, works of noted British writer, scientist, and underwater explorer Sir Arthur Charles Clarke, include 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968).

This most important and influential figure in 20th century fiction spent the first half of his life in England and served in World War II as a radar operator before migrating to Ceylon in 1956. He co-created his best known novel and movie with the assistance of Stanley Kubrick.

Clarke, a graduate of King's College, London, obtained first class honours in physics and mathematics. He served as past chairman of the interplanetary society and as a member of the academy of astronautics, the royal astronomical society, and many other organizations.

He authored more than fifty books and won his numerous awards: the Kalinga prize of 1961, the American association for the advancement Westinghouse prize, the Bradford Washburn award, and the John W. Campbell award for his novel Rendezvous with Rama. Clarke also won the nebula award of the fiction of America in 1972, 1974 and 1979, the Hugo award of the world fiction convention in 1974 and 1980. In 1986, he stood as grand master of the fiction of America. The queen knighted him as the commander of the British Empire in 1989.