Title: Astronautics: Book 1
Description: Astronautics is the definitive history of mankind’s exploration of space. It examines the epic events
that shaped the era and provides appropriate insight into the wide-ranging impact that this endeavor has
had on technology, politics, and society. Astronautics provides enough detail to satisfy the serious
enthusiast, but without the minutia that so often blocks the casual reader. To accomplish this,
Astronautics is presented as two books, each covering a particular phase of man’s progress.

Book 1 — Dawn of the Space Age chronicles mankind’s desire to know more about the cosmos
and his dreams of reaching into its depths. It describes the initial discoveries, inventions, and engineering
innovations that became the foundation of rocket technology. It follows the two preeminent countries
in their quest for the ‘ultimate weapon’ that would provide the path to space. It describes the decisions
that resulted in the first artificial satellite programs in the United States and the former Soviet
Union. It follows the events that shaped the initial thrust into space as represented by the first Soviet
Sputniks and the shocked response by the Americans. It details the belated and often failure prone
launches that humbled a great nation. The book describes the first attempts to reach the Moon and the
planets and explains the techniques and physics involved. It illustrates the engineering requirements of
the first manned spacecraft and the selection and experiences of the first spacefarers.