NASA: The Complete Illustrated History [Illustrated] [Paperback]

An engaging volume on the space age - it will appeal to the general reader and specialist alike - VON HARDESTY NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM A wonderful publication, dealing with probably the greatest period of technological development in the human race - AMERICAN STUDIES TODAY

Illustrated with 500 photographs, the book conveys the compelling urgency and excitement around the missions - TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION A superbly produced record by Michael Gorn - THE FINANCIAL TIMES A great read for any space enthusiast - BBC FOCUS MAGAZINE --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

This fascinating book, now updated and available in paperback to mark the 50th anniversary of NASA in 2008, tells the remarkable history of America s unrivalled contribution to the exploration of space from the early twentieth century to the present. Award-winning historian Michael H. Gorn covers every US space mission ever undertaken, including those of projects Mercury, Gemini and Apollo, and the development of the Space Shuttle, and brings the story up to date by explaining the functions of NASA s two windows in space: the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station. This is the first illustrated history of NASA the National Aeronautics and Space Administration ever to be published. It reveals the personalities involved the personal ambitions and temperaments of astronauts, scientists and engineers, and the influence of America s presidents on the US space programme as much as the technological advances that have made space exploration possible. Authoritatively and engagingly written, the book is profusely illustrated throughout with 500 stunning photographs.

Michael H. Gorn is the author of many books about the history of aeronautics and spaceflight, including Expanding the Envelope: Flight Research at the NACA and NASA (winner of the 2004 Gardner-Lasser Aerospace History Literature Award).