Apollo EECOM - Journey of a Lifetime

Apogee Books Space Series #31

by Sy Liebergot

The life story of Sy Liebergot, former NASA flight controller, provides an insider's view of Mission Control.

Genres: Space, Science, Nonfiction, Memoir

Paperback

First published April 1, 2003

Reviews

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a very professional book (it could use more editing) but it is a charming one. Sy's memoirs start with a rough childhood and take us through becoming a flight controller, the great space race, and the post-Apollo shifts in the funding and focus on our space program.

[Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than just about Apollo. About overcoming diversity and a "not ideal" childhood to become what you are capable of becoming. Met the author and have a signed copy dedicated to my kids. (I was on a panel with him, an Apollo 9 astronaut (David Scott) and Peter Smith of the University of Arizona.)

The book has a very good method of inserting 'comments" into the narrative, which puts some sort of commentary. It's actually very good, and for those of us that work inside the space program, are very often very insightful.

I would recommend this book to kids about 14 or older (some adult theme's about childhood issues) but if you want to know how much work it takes to excel in something like spaceflight controller work, this would be a good place to start reading...not a job for the faint of heart.

Now that I've read it, I want to go back and talk to Sy some more about points he brings up! I also found out that we crossed paths again (when he worked for SpaceHab) well before I met him. Interesting how small the world is.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! If you want the "flight controller" perspective from mission control instead of the "astronaut" biography/view this is the only book I know of. Even comes with 3.5 hours of audio loop of the author working the Apollo 13 near disaster problem. There was so much more to the space program than the astronauts, and mission control was a vital part yet so little is really known how they operated. Really enjoyed this one!

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting behind-the-scenes perspective on the space flight program.

[Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good insight into the space programs from one of the engineers and flight controllers.