Exploring Space

“Scientists and astronauts believe that the benefits of space exploration greatly outweigh the potential risks.” The excitement and challenges of man’s journey into space are explored in this gripping history of international space programs. The initial competition between the United States and the Soviet Union is discussed in detail, while later parts of the book introduce instances of international cooperation and other countries’ contributions. “Explorer in Focus” text boxes provide additional information about astronauts including Valentina Tereshkova and Neil Armstrong, and “Mission in Focus” sections describe particular endeavors (the 1975 Apollo-Soyuz Test Project was an early example of U.S. and Soviet cooperation). Sidebars focus on issues such as the difficulty of designing rockets, the story of Laika, and the importance of space walks. An appealing layout incorporates dramatic, captioned black-and-white and full-color photographs and diagrams, many of which take advantage of the horizontal format and span across spreads. This book will interest readers in the history of space exploration and the directions it may take in the future. The back matter consists of a time line, list of essential space-exploration facts, glossary, additional resources, source notes, and an index.