- Expertly written profiles depicting and describing the design, development, and deployment of manned and unmanned spacecraft from around the world, including satellites, capsules, spaceplanes, rockets, and space stations-now updated with the latest models
- Vivid scale illustrations of the many international spacecraft in multiple-view, sometimes cross-section, and in many cases shown in archival period photography to provide further historical context
- Earthbound and spaceborne data and intel chronicling every technological leap, engineering challenge, and monumental achievement, from troubleshooting the lunar landers of the '60s to engineering solar-driven sails to propel futuristic craft to Mars and beyond
- A look ahead to an era of privatized space travel and even plans for lunar and Martian space stations and settlement
Autorentext
Michael H. Gorn served formerly as deputy Air Force historian and as chief historian of the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. He earned a doctorate in history from the University of Southern California. Gorn is the author of more than a dozen books, including NASA's Forgotten Genius: Hugh L. Dryden and the Foundations of the American Space Program, and he has been featured in interviews on BBC, History, and the Discovery Channel. He is a recipient of the AIAA's Gardner-Lasser Aerospace History Award for Expanding the Envelope: Flight Research at the NACA and NASA.
Born in Italy, Davide Sivolella was captivated by flying machines from an young age. His passion for astronautics motivated him to earn bachelor's and master's degrees in aerospace engineering from the Polytechnic of Turin. In 2009, Davide relocated to the United Kingdom where he has held various roles in the civil aviation industry, including positions with airlines and aircraft manufacturers. He began his writing career in 2013, regularly publishing books on space-exploration technologies.