From NACA to NASA to Now: Expanding the Frontiers of Air and Space

by Roger D Launius

A compelling history of America's air and space agencies

NASA, and its predecessor NACA, have captured the American imagination for more than a hundred years. From NACA to NASA to Expanding the Frontiers of Air and Space commemorates the organizations' incredible accomplishments that have shaped the aerospace landscape and the world.

Former NASA chief historian Roger D. Launius explores aerospace history through the lenses of international efforts; the relationships between NACA/NASA and the military, universities, and US corporations; and research and development. He examines how the organizations' technology and techniques have had enduring influence that guide space exploration to this day, highlighting all the triumphs, disappointments, and wonders along the way.

288 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication January 2, 2079

Reviews

[Brian Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

Roger D. Launius, former Chief Historian of NASA, is perhaps the perfect individual to author a concise personal history of the N.A.C.A as it turned into NASA. The chief value of this slim volume is that it touches on the great many significant projects undertaken by the two organizations. Thus, even for someone who follows NASA with an interest in its history, Launius covers bits & pieces that may have escaped attention. For instance, I had no idea that NASA’s Digital Fly by Wire (DFBW) program used a spare Apollo Guidance Computer installed in the greatly modified Navy F-8C Crusader jet fighter. I called this a personal history as Launius manages to slip in his own opinions from time to time (i.e., administrator Dan Goldin). The volume is also noteworthy for covering NASA’s challenges in diversifying its work force. It’s a checkered past. Finally, the Annotated Bibliography (“100 Essential Books on NACA/NASA History”) and the catalog of NASA History Publications is a great resource for a reader wanting to dive further into particular topics.