ROGER D. LAUNIUS is former associate director of collections and curatorial affairs at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. From 1990 to 2002, he served as chief historian of NASA. He has authored and coauthored numerous books, including Hubble's Legacy.
"The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration is an ideal gift
book" —Christian Science Monitor
"Space historian Roger D. Launius recounts the thousands of years
that mankind has attempted to learn more about the universe in a
fully illustrated history of global space discovery and exploration
from ancient times to modern era." —USA Today
"A generously illustrated, wonderfully detailed survey of space
exploration by a Smithsonian curator who was also a chief historian
of NASA for more than two decades. On every page, stunning
photographs provide a visual history of the incredible people and
mechanics behind each groundbreaking advance, setting this volume
apart from others. Readers of all ages will discover something new
every time they revisit these pages. Part history, part nostalgia,
part cutting-edge science, this entertaining book reminds us of the
magnitude of space flight—and hints at what's to come." —Kirkus
Reviews, starred review
"This oversize offering is a space nerd’s dream come true. Whether
used as a beginning point for research (no source notes, alas), a
lure for browsers, or an irresistible read for fans of strange new
worlds (to infinity and beyond!), this will make a handsome
addition to popular science collections." —Booklist
"Reminds readers that almost anything humans have envisioned,
they've accomplished" —Space.com
“The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration examines
civilization’s continued desire to explore the next frontier as
only the Smithsonian can do it. Roger D. Launius has put together
an extraordinary history that I’m incredibly proud to be a part of.
The great thing about this book is that, in addition to looking
back at an amazing history in space, it also inspires us to look
forward to an exciting future.” —Buzz Aldrin, Gemini 12 and Apollo
11 astronaut and author of No Dream Is Too High
“Roger D. Launius has written a wonderfully clear history of space
flight and space programs. For thousands of years, humans have
looked to the skies for guidance, understanding, and spiritual
comfort. Questions still stand, however: Why do we have space
programs, and why is space exploration so important to our species?
The answer is age-old: we do it because exploration is one of our
driving needs. This interesting and concise book gives us the full
story of space exploration in very readable form and helps us
understand how we got to where we are today.” —Al Worden, Command
Module Pilot for Apollo 15 and author of Falling to Earth
“How, in the span of a single lifetime, did human beings develop
and use the technology to leave their home planet and explore the
universe? With his expert knowledge of space history, Launius
conveys the extraordinary saga from its earliest beginnings through
its spectacular triumphs and stinging failures to our ongoing
struggle to become a multiplanet species.” —Andrew Chaikin, author
of A Man on the Moon
“It’s all here! In The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration,
Launius provides brief and authoritative vignettes of every
conceivable facet of the space enterprise, accompanied by many
evocative images that capture the adventure of humanity’s push off
its home planet.” —John M. Logsdon, Space Policy Institute, George
Washington University
Ask a Question About this Product More... |