A great book outlining the space race!
596020
I was happy to see Cernan's book appear. I read it straight through, and found it entertaining, thought provoking, and very well written.  A great book for those who want to learn about an astronaut perspective from the  selection process to moonwalk.
Cernan writes about the Gemini and Apollo  programs with a clear recollection of the events of this special  time.
Confidence is the name of the game in space, and after reading  Cernan's account of his Gemini spacewalk, hats off to him!
4116212
For the space enthusiast, this is a must read.  While a technical volume, the info on bringing a spacecraft back from space is highly and technically detailed and even enjoyable reading.  There was so much about the process I learned and in a highly engaging manner.

I do not believe there is anyone who researches like Mr. Jenkins does, and his engineering background stands him in excellent stead to research and write these books.
2918659
First, I will say do NOT read this book without also reading Flight: My Life In Mission Control by Chris Kraft. The two of these books go hand in hand and what one leaves out, the other fills in. Kranz focuses more on the technical side of the missions, and all the problems they encountered. His account of the Apollo 1 fire is haunting. Kraft on the other hand gives a lot more personal/personnel details. He tells you who was good to work with and who was not and why. This book was a VERY enjoyable read and I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone that has even an ounce of space interest...because after you finish it, you'll be looking for more!
2808818
...of the space race. It shows the competition of two systems towards the same goal, and does not leave out the setbacks.
Central organization vs decentralized approaches, strict vs "try to guide" public affairs management, system vs personal responsibilities.
This is an excellent book. It is as much a comparative study of management and economy styles as it is a history of the aera now called the space race.
While it emphasizes the american side, it does not look to the soviet side without respect and sympathy.

It is among the few books I recommend to gift to others.
2663392
Fantastic art history book of space exploration.  The illustrations...produced in excellent quality...are priceless artifacts for early space race collectors.  Bradbury's preface is worth the price alone, if you are one of his fans.  The main text is written by a NASA chief historian (Roger Lanius) who has written and contributed to dozens of excellent space history texts.  As the other reviews state, this is written to reach the "layman" not the scientist.  But as an engineer involved in space exploration projects, I found it inspiring and enlightening.
4360142
This book gives the account of the men behind the machinery of the space program.  A recommended read for space enthusiasts and the budding engineer or scientist
513188
In my opinion, the book " space " written by Miles Kelly, was extremely vivid. The book is about space and the discoveries of the universe. This book touches on astronomy, the universe, stars, and galaxies, and the solar system.

The book goes in-depth with different perspectives. For example, the book explicitly describes stars and explains how stars are born. Also, it goes through the periodic table in depth.

 The book is exciting and interesting because it teaches you about everything that happens and lives in space. For example, how black holes form and who was the first person to step on the moon.

My favorite part of the book was about constellations because they named and explained each and every constellation in the world.

If you like information books I would highly recommend "Space". People that would read this book would be future astronauts,  or astronomers, or a student that is interested in space. As you can see, this book is amazing.
3959813
I have read several astronaut autobiographies and space history books over the years. In my opinion, this book is the cream of the crop. Stafford presents the history of Gemini and Apollo in a clear and interesting way. Lt Gen Thomas P. Stafford was one of the most technically skilled and accomplished of all the astronauts. And even though he flew 4 missions and commanded 3 of them, he isn't as well known as some other astronauts that actually walked on the Moon. If you are fascinated with NASA, and the early history of space exploration, I highly suggest you purchase a copy of this book. You will be very informed after reading this book. Thomas Stafford is a giant among men. 5 stars!
484694
Book ReviewTabernacle

This book explores spiritual discourse, hard science, and the dream of space travel. Ever contemplate just how we can improve on the Newtonian drive? One possibility is explored in this new story.

Kevin Schillo takes the reader on an educational experience in currently possible solar system travel, all the while seeding a plan in the background that is almost magical. A must read for any sci-fi geek who remembers Isaac Asimov or Poul Anderson.

Follow Commander Mark de Rijk as he commands the Entrepid through humanitys longest space flight to date! Originally scheduled for the Mars mission, he winds up sidetracking to a mysterious black nothing just beyond the orbit of the red planet. The real mayhem begins!
214121
This book belongs in the library of anyone interested in Space Memorabilia or anyone who wants an understanding of how man finally reached space.

There is a fantastic wealth of information as regards the US portion of the Race but, to some degree, anyone knowledgeable in the US program has come across at least some of this before. What is really mind blowing, at least to this reader, is the wealth of information regarding the Russian portion of the Race. Most of us have heard of Belka and Strelka, the dogs sent by the Russians into space prior to Gagarin's first flight. What we don't know is that they were only two of about 100 dogs who were actively involved in the Program.

The book is filled with photos, charts and tables that make for handy reverence and ease of use.

I would strongly recommend adding this book to any space reference library - or just for a good afternoon's read. You are sure to both learn and enjoy.

Michael Orenstein
3766469
"Two Sides of the Moon" is a fascinating addition to the library of any space historian, whether casual or professional. The book, written by American Astronaut Dave Scott and Soviet Cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, focuses on personal and professional struggles set within the political framework of the 1960s (and early 1970s) cold war.

Although I would have preferred more technical detail in the book, I still enjoyed it very much though more from the human interest angle. I liked the technique of alternating narratives from the American and Soviet points of view: the book was skillfully written to reveal the emotions and perceptions of both sides of the space race during key points in the race to the moon (Sputnik, the Apollo 1 fire, Apollo 11, etc.) I found both authors to be likable and appreciated their willingness to share credit with people unknown to the general public, from important organizational keys like Bill Tindall's famous (within NASA, anyway) Data Priority Meetings (and their resultant "Tindallgrams," page 194,) to the awe with which Leonov held Sergei Korolev, the Soviet Chief Designer, whose death all but dashed Soviet attempts to land on the moon prior to the Americans.

The book has an upbeat and optimistic tone, and is good-natured throughout. I enjoyed the behind the scenes trivia the pair provided. Did you know that the first animals to achieve circumlunar flight were a pair of Steppe Tortoises on the Soviet Zond-5 mission? The were recovered safe (but probably confused) in the Indian Ocean on September 17, 1968. Little known facts like this made this book a treasure for readers who traditionally focus on the more technical aspects of the missions.

The book boasts an excellent Foreword by Neil Armstrong, Scott's commander from Gemini 8. Scott gives Armstrong ceaseless praise for his judgment during the emergency they shared, and it seems clear that Armstrong holds Scott in equally high esteem.

The book is a great telling of a compelling tale. I particularly found the travails of Leonov's youth to be astounding, and admire him more after reading this book for overcoming them to become one of the great names in spaceflight. Likewise, Scott is a high achiever and role model for generations of spacefarers for generations to come. I recommend this book highly.
3066427
"Something Funny Happened on the Way to the Moon" is a kaleidoscope of facts and anecdotes about the behind the scenes of the Apollo Program. It describes how 400,000 people worked on this phenomenal initiative to put astronauts on the moon, using old technology to accomplish something that is impossible today. It was a work of love by these brilliant people, all experts in their speciality, to keep the astronauts safe, as they worked to achieve this science fiction goal for their country.

Author Sara Howard, was one of only two women employed as engineers of the Apollo Program. She describes amusing anecdotes, such as water fights among the staff, and alternates them with  the daunting facts about the project'the companies, buildings, people, technologies, divisions, and of course, the rockets, with which she fell in love as a child. Included, to help the reader grasp the enormity of the project, are photographs by NASA.

As Howard notes, the story she enthusiastically presents, and the people involved, were skipped over and forgotten in the hype over the fantastic success of this project for America. Its time to remember who's work was responsible, and consider what it must have been like for those countless workers at that time'as they dreamed of putting men safely on the moon, and patiently worked towards fulfilment.

To consider them and grant them due appreciation. Read the book! Its fascinating!
1147217
Dr. Vedda is well versed in both space strategy and political science.
Whether you agree with his ideas or not, they are very well presented and accessible.
This book is an excellent read and provides an inspirational view of where we go from here with respect to space programs.
Highly recommended.
3240947
This is an excellent book that gives a clear, concise and well written overview of space stations from the American, Soviet and Russian programs. I was very impressed with the large number of illustrations and photographs most of which I had never seen before (there are about 80 figures). The color plates of illustrations showing the various stages of completion of the International Space Station  were also impressive. Although the book is only about 170 pages long I believe it is the perfect length to give the reader a nice overall summary of all the space station launches. Excellent value for the low cost of the book, highly recommended !
2477580
I am a propulsion engineer at SpaceX and have spent roughly 40 days this year conducting engine testing in Texas. Mr. Belfiore does an amazing job of capturing the experience of being inside the control room and out on the stand. Additionally, his descriptions of X-Prize founder Peter Diamandis, Scaled Composites, Bigelow Aerospace, and the other players in the nascent field of commercial spaceflight are interesting and intriguing. A must read for anyone interested in this industry.
4038235
What a fantastic book about the behind the scenes work involved in building and testing the Space Shuttle external tank.  Any space exploration enthusiast will want to get this book!
3627270
Another great book on on the start of the space race.  Especially interesting on how the Soviet and American programs started, rivalries within each program and what the US and Soviet leadership was doing (or not doing).