Erickson (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Univ.) has written a thorough book on the history of space exploration. He starts with a good review of the contributions of philosophers, astronomers, and mathematicians from ancient Greece, the Arabic world, and the European Renaissance. The book continues into the 20th century, and includes an interesting presentation of the manned space program beginning with the early ... Read moremissions of both the US and the Soviet Union. Military space missions also receive extensive treatment. Overall, Erickson provides a good mix of Earth-based and spacecraft-based astronomy and planetary science findings. The technical level is appropriate for the layperson, with all mathematical equations explained in simple terms. A top-level description of spacecraft systems towards the end of the book gives the general reader an idea of the complexity of space systems. Numerous historical photographs and drawings from various space programs augment the text. Summing Up: Recommended.
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