Space science Books

Book SynopsisProfessor Brian Cox is back with another insightful and mind-blowing exploration of space. This time he shows us our universe as we've never seen it before.Trade ReviewPraise for Professor Brian Cox’s previous books: ‘If you didn’t utter a wow watching the TV, you will while reading the book.’The Times ‘Engaging, ambitious and creative’Guardian ‘In this book of the acclaimed BBC2 TV series, Professor Cox shows us the cosmos as we have never seen it before – a place full of the most bizarre and powerful natural phenomena.’Sunday Express ‘Will entertain and delight … what a priceless gift that would be.’Independent on Sunday

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Book SynopsisWhat happens to you when you can’t walk for a year? When you can’t have sex? Or smell flowers? What happens if you vomit in your helmet during a space walk? Is it possible to survive a bailout at 17,000 miles an hour? Space is a world devoid of the things we need to live and thrive: air, gravity, hot showers, fresh veg, privacy, beer. To answer these questions, space agencies set up all manner of quizzical and startlingly bizarre space simulations, and as Mary Roach discovers, it’s possible to preview space without ever leaving Earth. Packing for Mars takes us on a surreally entertaining voyage into the science of life in space and space on Earth.Trade Review"Such grippingly scatological titbits grace almost every page ... Even readers with a long-term interest in manned exploration should find some new information within ... if you like your space science served with emotion, anecdotes, and excreta, this is for you." ***** * BBC Sky at Night *“Behind the witty mouth is a smart mind that finds out how rocket scientists organise their hardware around irritating organic human needs.” * Saga Magazine *“Roach boldly goes where no author has gone before to bring us puke, zero-gravity, faecal popcorn and flash-frozen rats... Packing for Mars is delightful, one of those rare beasts; a successful humorous science book. It is also one that throws fascinating light on some of the more obscure corners of space travel. Never mind packing it for Mars; pack it for your next long-haul flight and see if you can manage to freak your air-sick neighbour with one of the many amusing chapters on vomiting.” * Fortean Times *“The author of Stiff unravels the scientific hoo-haa and ultimate hubris of the whole enterprise. We all prefer our feet of clay, it seems.” * Belfast Telegraph *Praise for Mary Roach “Terrifically witty…On almost every page she tells you something to make you gasp aloud or snort with laughter.” * Telegraph *Praise for Mary Roach “When Mary Roach is seized by a subject, there is no stopping her: she is full-on, hands-on, and her lab coat is unbuttoned.” * The Times *Praise for Mary Roach “Irresistible…cheerfully scatological,cheekily sceptical.” * Observer Review *Praise for Mary Roach “A bold, tenacious, and insatiable reporter, Roach…could make an earthworm evisceration riveting and a hemispherectomy seem downright jolly.” * Scotsman *“Well-tuned to humour and absurdity…A delightful, illuminating grab bag of space-fl ight curiosities.” * Kirkus Reviews *Praise for Mary Roach “Roach is an original who can enliven any subject with wit, keen reporting, and a sly intelligence.” * Publishers Weekly *Praise for Mary Roach “Roach marries enthusiasm and curiosity with unflagging humour.” * Independent on Sunday *Praise for Mary Roach “Even if there were thousands of science-humour writers,[Roach] would be the sidesplitting favourite.” * Booklist *Praise for Mary Roach “A wonderfully vivid writer…. A celebration of the wide, occasionally crazy spectrum of human pursuit.” * New York Times Book Review *Praise for Mary Roach “One of the funniest and most madcap of science writers" * Kirkus Reviews *Praise for Mary Roach “Roach certainly gets full marks for unflinching commitment to the job in hand.” * The Guardian *Praise for Mary Roach “Bonkers, but brilliant.” * Easy Living *Praise for Mary Roach “Funny, inquisitive, and uncowed by experts, [Roach is] the general reader’s ideal emissary to the arcana of serious science.” * Newsweek *Praise for Mary Roach “One of those rare writers who can tackle the most obscure unpleasantness and distil the data into a hilarious and informative package. I would devour every page…I would laugh out loud…I would be able to dazzle and surprise friends with a newfound knowledge.” * San Francisco Chronicle *Praise for March Roach “She has a huge heart, a strong sense of empathy for the oddball, and she’s willing to go to great lengths to find and report stories from the hinterlands of understanding.” * Chicago Tribune *Praise for Mary Roach “Mary Roach is one of an endangered species: a science writer with a sense of humour.” * Denver Post *Praise for Mary Roach “A joy to read.…wonderful stuff.” * San Franciso Bay Guardian *Praise for Mary Roach “Roach is authoritative, endlessly curious and drolly funny. Her research is scrupulous and winningly presented.” * The Seattle Times *Praise for Mary Roach “A keen eye for observation of unique and ironic details.” * Express-News, San Antonio *“An often hilarious, sometimes queasy-making catalog of the strange stuff devised to permit people to survive in an environment for which their bodies are stupendously unsuited… Wonderfully slapstick.” * New York Times Book Review *"[A] truly funny look at the majestic aspects of the space program... Supremely accessible." * Entertainment Weekly *"Smart, smirky stuff." * San Francisco Chronicle *“[Roach’s] fluffily lightweight style is at its most substantial – and most hilarious – in the zero-gravity realm that Packing for Mars explores… As startling as it is funny.” * The New York Times *"An accomplished journalist with boundless curiosity, Roach complements her historical research with an equally eccentric investigation of space travel… As funny as Roach can be, she brings serious insight to her subject." * New Scientist *"Like a sassier - ie. ruder - version of Bill Bryson…” * Daily Mail *"She has a knack for translating the dry and arcane stuff of science in a way that is eminently readable, informative, and eye-openingly hilarious." ***** * Time Out *"Roach's book details the gritty biological reality of astronaut life." * Reader's Digest *"It achieves the double whammy of being both entertaining and educational, and though it starts off good, it gets even better as it goes along." * Bookbag - www.bookbag.com *"If you don't already know Mary Roach, famously the author of Bonk and Stiff, don't miss this third outing into space where no one can hear you scream with laughter... As a science writer Roach is seriously funny. She asks the right questions and provides answers like the best deadpan stand-up comic." * The Times *"In this often extremely funny book she reveals just what it’s like to be crammed in a space ship with your fellow man or woman - and their various bodily functions." * Lovereading.co.uk *"As Roach has shown in earlier books she is completely embarrassment-proof. There is no biological situation she will not visualise, no anatomical question she will not ask. So Packing for Mars is as startling as it is funny, even if its strategic aim is to tell you more than you need to know." * Scotsman *

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Book SynopsisSoon to be a major motion picture, First Man by James Hansen offers the only authorized glimpse into the life of America’s most famous astronaut, Neil Armstrong – the man whose “one small step” changed history. In First Man, Hansen explores the life of Neil Armstrong. Based on over 50 hours of interviews with the intensely private Armstrong, who also gave Hansen exclusive access to private documents and family sources, this “magnificent panorama of the second half of the American twentieth century” (Publishers Weekly, Starred Review) is an unparalleled biography of an American icon. When Apollo 11 touched down on the moon’s surface in 1969, the first man on the moon became a legend. Hansen vividly recreates Armstrong's career in flying, from his seventy-eight combat missions as a naval aviator flying over North Korea to his formative transatmospheric flights in the rocket-powered X-15 to his pTrade Review'Let it be said at once that his book is an outstanding success. It has been immaculately researched and is packed with detail, but written in a way that will appeal to readers of all kinds...this is an important book, and should be in every scientific library.' -- Sir Patrick Moore * Times Higher Educational Supplement *‘The man was a fine engineer, a good pilot – although there is some dispute about that – patriotic, cool, courageous and hard-working, just the sort of guy you want next to you when the chips are down.' * Sunday Times *'Although he was the first man to set foot on the moon, Neil Armstrong has always been the least public of the Apollo 11 astronauts. He has seldom given interviews, or lent his name to merchandising tat, or haunted the same professional old-boy circuit as his former colleagues... But at 75, he’s finally decided to break his silence - or to have it broken for him by his official biographer, James R.Hansen.’ * Sunday Telegraph *'To understand Armstrong on his own terms is to see a large truth of our time...[Hansen’s] mastery of detail is put to splendid use. The narrative of the moon mission is crisp and dramatic, the science clear. He deftly takes us back into those few days of global fascination with the adventure of the three distant voyagers and the tense uncertainty about how it would turn out...I finished Hansen’s Apollo story with a wholly fresh sense of awe at the magnitude of NASA’s achievement...a compelling and nuanced portrait of the astronaut.' -- James Tobin * Chicago Tribune *'Neil Armstrong—naval aviator, research pilot, astronaut, American hero and larger-than-life icon. He may have thought it was "one small step for [a] man," but it was one giant leap for the rest of us...First Man is primed to be one of the definitive reference works on the lunar program.' -- U.S. Navy Captain William Readdy * Aviation Week & Space Technology *'Most of the astronauts’ books are about the adventure. Jim Hansen’s well researched and documented book is about the adventurer. First Man is a compelling story of a modern-day Columbus which provides the rare opportunity to understand the personal qualities driving explorers. Quiet, complex, and deep, Armstrong, as fuel was running out, was the right man at the right time to take America and the world to the surface of the moon.' -- Eugene F. Kranz, author of Failure Is Not an Option'A powerful, unrelenting biography of a man who stands as a living testimony to everyday grit and determination... A must for astronaut buffs and history readers alike.' * Publishers Weekly *'Ever since Apollo 11’s "one giant leap for mankind" in 1969 the world has wondered who Neil Armstrong really is. Now, at last, Jim Hansen has stripped away the myths and mysteries to bring us face to face with the man himself. This definitive portrait offers many new and fascinating details about Armstrong and his life and about the momentous and unforgettable era of exploration in which he was lucky enough—and talented enough—to play a key role.' -- Andrew Chaikin, author of A Man on the Moon'This impressively documented and engagingly written biography will stand the test of time.' * Library Journal *'Masterfully written...technically accurate, scholarly yet independent and accessible...Mission accomplished and a perfect touchdown.' -- Leonard David * Ad Astra, The Magazine of the National Space Society *'Hansen’s research is staggeringly impressive... A work that has great appeal for anyone interested in why we explore, who we are in this aerospace age, and what it was about the United States that could enable a little kid from Wapakoneta, Ohio, to take that "one small step" at Tranquility Base in the summer of 1969. A must read!' -- Richard P. Hallion, chief historian for the U.S. Air Force'Jim Hansen has captured the essence of Neil Armstrong, not only as the first man on the Moon, but also as an outstanding aviator and astronaut. I was there for Neil’s other major "space step"—he recovered Gemini 8 from the ultimate end game with aggressive action, cool skill and creative judgement seldom performed in any aviation or space endeavor. Just 16 days after the deaths of the Gemini 9 crew, he probably saved the Moon. Jim Hansen has written an exceptional and accurate account of a unique period in aerospace history and the adventures of Neil Armstrong.' -- Dave Scott, Gemini VIII, Apollo 9, Commander, Apollo 15

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Book SynopsisMaintaining its appealing style and presentation, the _Yearbook of Astronomy 2025_ contains comprehensive jargon-free monthly sky notes and an authoritative set of sky charts to enable backyard astronomers and sky gazers everywhere to plan their viewing of the year's eclipses, comets, meteor showers and minor planets as well as detailing the phases of the Moon and visibility and locations of the planets throughout the year. To supplement all this is a variety of entertaining and informative articles, a feature for which the _Yearbook of Astronomy_ is known. Presenting the reader with information on a wide range of topics, the articles for the 2025 edition include, among others, Recent Advances in Astronomy; Recent Advances in Solar System Exploration; Skies over Ancient America: Mystical Mounds and Landmarks of the Prehistoric Americas; Astrophysicist Cecilia Helena Payne and Professor H. N. Russell; The Astronomers' Stars: The Terrible Twos; Eta Carinae: A Chance Encounter and Journey

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Book SynopsisVolume 4 is a detailed look at the later years of NASA's Apollo space program from 1968ΓÇô72.

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Book SynopsisThe revised second edition of this established dictionary contains over 4,300 up-to-date entries covering all aspects of astronomy. Compiled with the help of over 20 expert contributors under the editorship of renowned author and broadcaster Ian Ridpath, A Dictionary of Astronomy covers everything from space exploration and the equipment involved, to astrophysics, cosmology, and the concept of time. The dictionary also includes biographical entries on eminent astronomers, as well as worldwide coverage of observatories and telescopes. Supplementary material is included in the appendices, such as tables of Apollo lunar landing missions and the constellations, a table of planetary data, and numerous other tables and diagrams complement the entries.The entries have been fully revised and updated for this edition, and new entries have been added to reflect the recent developments within the field of astronomy, including magnetic reconnection, Fornax cluster, luminosity density, and AkatsukiTrade ReviewReview from previous edition This is an excellent dictionary. It has all the qualities one should reasonably expect from such a reference book: accuracy, clarity, consistency and good coverage of its subject. ...The book is neatly laid out in a way that is easy to use, with a reasonable but not excessive number of cross-references...Ian Ridpath has done a remarkable job to achieve such consistency in the style, technical level and length of entries. And try as I might, I have failed to find any bloomers! This is a classic that the publisher, editor and contributors can be proud of - worthy of the Oxford name, world-famous for its dictionaries and reference books. * Dr Jacqueline Mitton, writer and Public Relations Officer of the Royal Astronomical Society, The Journal of the British Astronomical Association *I shall be glad to have this edition on my shelf. * Robert Connon Smith. The Observatory. *a handy guide for amateur astronomers, students of astronomy, and interested general readers. Both its format and text are clear and straightforward...recommended for its value as an exhaustive quick reference guide on astronomy. Public and academic libraries will want to add this work to their collections. * Electronic Reviews of Science and Technology References *An enormous amount of obscure data is satisfactorily explained here, which is just what you turn to a dictionary for. * Times Literary Supplement *this book is rich in peculiarities for the interested observer. * The Independent *Table of ContentsPREFACE; THE DICTIONARY; APPENDICES

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Book SynopsisAstrophysicist and NPR commentator Adam Frank reveals what the latest research on alien civilisations may tell us about our own.Trade Review"In this provocative new book, Adam Frank makes the case that one good way to think about life on Earth is to think about the prospect of life on other planets—and what it might have to teach us about how to be good Earthlings." -- Sean Carroll"Pleasingly, the findings here are more hopeful and proactive than has been the case elsewhere, encouraging us to take charge and create a better future. As far as messages go, it's not a bad one." -- How It Works"We may have no proof that aliens exist, but US astrophysicist Adam Frank is pretty convinced." -- Best Holiday Reading - New Scientist"With an easy-to follow writing style, Frank has thoughtfully tackled the concept of life beyond Earth, without resorting to fantasies of' little green men'. Light of the Stars is a concise and insightful read, which, aside from being very difficult to put down, will leave you wanting to learn more about the potential for life amongst the stars. So sit down and get comfortable, as you may be glued to this book for some time." -- BBC Sky at Night"The author makes the case that as the exploration of Venus and Mars helped humanity properly formulate the theory of the greenhouse effect, so can exoplanets and the search for exo-civilizations inform how we deal with the growing pains of a maturing civilization at odds with its own host planet." -- On our Bookshelf - Nature

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Book SynopsisThe long-awaited memoir of a trailblazer and role model who is telling her story for the first time. Eileen Collins was an aviation pioneer her entire career, from her crowning achievements as the first woman to command an American space mission as well as the first to pilot the space shuttle to her early years as one of the Air Force’s first female pilots. She was in the first class of women to earn pilot’s wings at Vance Air Force Base and was their first female instructor pilot. She was only the second woman admitted to the Air Force’s elite Test Pilot Program at Edwards Air Force Base. NASA had such confidence in her skills as a leader and pilot that she was entrusted to command the first shuttle mission after the Columbia disaster, returning the US to spaceflight after a two-year hiatus. Since retiring from the Air Force and NASA, she has served on numerous corporate boards and is an inspirational speaker about space exploration and leadership. Eileen Collins is among the most recognized and admired women in the world, yet this is the first time she has told her story in a book. It is a story not only of achievement and overcoming obstacles but of profound personal transformation. The shy, quiet child of an alcoholic father and struggling single mother, who grew up in modest circumstances and was an unremarkable student, she had few prospects when she graduated from high school, but she changed her life to pursue her secret dream of becoming an astronaut. She shares her leadership and life lessons throughout the book with the aim of inspiring and passing on her legacy to a new generation.Trade Review"This is one of the essential astronaut autobiographies."—National Space Society“Well worth waiting for . . . She became famous for breaking the glass ceilings of the book’s title by being the first woman to be a shuttle pilot and a commander, but her accounts of the missions themselves are fascinating as well.”—Space Review “Given the chance, I would long ponder trading places with Eileen Collins. Her book with Jonathan Ward is a grand collection of simple, yet sensational moments she experienced—in Outer Space!—and in much that led to her getting there. What a read!"—Tom Hanks “I wrote the song ‘Beyond the Sky’ and sang it at Cape Canaveral for Eileen Collins’s maiden command voyage: ‘Once there was a girl with a dream in her heart, wild as the wind was her hope.’ This woman with the dream has turned into a serious heroine of the centuries who has taken her place among other men and women in the startling adventure of circling the Earth and leaving it behind. You will love her book: it is exciting, personal, detailed, a good thriller, suspenseful as a Stephen King mystery, and full of hope—that rare quality we all search for. Yeehaw, Commander Collins! What a life you have led and what a tale you have told! Brava!”—Judy Collins, singer, songwriter, author"Eileen Collins is a living legend and an inspiration to young people all over the world. We both began our journeys in Elmira, NY, with dreams of doing something extraordinary. Nurturing a dream is rarely ever easy, and Eileen certainly didn’t have a clear path to pursuing hers. Despite being met with challenges at every step, she was tenacious in chasing her ambition of becoming an astronaut—one who would go on to make history as the first female pilot and commander of an American space shuttle. When you come across a story of such determination, it is a reminder that once you set your mind to something, even the sky is not the limit.”—Tommy Hilfiger“I hope that a young explorer who reads Eileen’s book will be inspired to become the first human on Mars. Eileen proves that there is no limit to what we can do if we stay true to our goals and keep moving forward.”—Buzz Aldrin “Eileen is living proof to youngsters and young ladies that you can do anything you want to do with your life.”—Wally Funk, Mercury 13 pilot “Eileen Collins and I trained for the shuttle together, flew jets together, and waited together for that first chance to rocket into space. In Through the Glass Ceiling, Eileen tells the inspiring story of how she rose through hard work and determination to become a rare exemplar of the ‘right stuff,’ leading her crews to success in orbit and commanding the first shuttle launch after the Columbia disaster. Read, be amazed, then get this book into the hands of young explorers.”—Thomas D. Jones, astronaut and author of Skywalking“Reading Eileen’s story will not only help you get to know this extraordinary woman (mother, wife, survivor, USAF colonel, mathematician, professor, astronaut), but I bet it will help you think about facing life’s challenges with a greater sense of strength and determination. She is an inspiration.”—Gwynne Shotwell, president and COO, SpaceX “This book is endlessly inspiring!Eileen Collins is a trailblazer not only of space but of life. Her story of overcoming adversity to achieve her dream of flying in space will make your spirit soar.”—Andrew Chaikin, author of A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts “In the dark days in the aftermath of the Columbia tragedy, we looked no further than Eileen Collins to lead us down the long road with the Return to Flight crew to help NASA and the nation believe in ourselves again and resume the human quest to explore. This new book, with the help of master storyteller Jonathan Ward, captures Eileen’s thoughtful reflections and compelling story, which serves to inspire us all to reach our greatest potential.” —Sean O’Keefe, NASA Administrator, 2001–2005“As the commander of first space shuttle flight after the loss of Columbia, Eileen Collins lived, worked, and led her crew through a critical phase of history. How she got there is a story as interesting as the events themselves, one that is as inspirational as any in the pantheon of American aerospace heroes. This book takes you inside the life and times of one of NASA’s—America’s—best.”—Michael Griffin, NASA Administrator, 2005–2009“Exciting, motivating, and inspirational are only a few words to describe this story of Eileen Collins and her incredible journey to space. Her tenacity, resilience and persistence come through with each chapter.”—Charlie Bolden, Major General, USMC, Retired, former astronaut, former NASA Administrator, 2009–2017 “Eileen Collins has finally written the book people have been asking for. Growing up on welfare in a fractured family, Eileen's chance to live her own life took form in her long-held love of airplanes; her deep love of flying comes across on every page. Despite numerous obstacles in her path, she turned setbacks into advantages. We're with her in the pilot’s seat from page one. This inspiring book takes you into the challenges, the risks, the rewards—the heart of what it took to be first.”—Francis French, space historian; former Director of Events, Sally Ride Science "Eileen Collins is an unsung American hero. Her memoir should be ‘must reading’ for all young girls and boys in school, and indeed for every aspiring student at all levels. She has been a pioneer in everything she tried. The fact that NASA named Eileen as pilot on her first space shuttle flight tells you everything about the trust and confidence she inspires. I have had the honor of working with Eileen in her post-astronaut activities on several boards as well as the White House’s National Space Council. That same trust and confidence, combined with just being a natural leader who cares for people, are evident everywhere.”—General Lester L. Lyles, United States Air Force, retired, former Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, and Chairman NASA Advisory Council "“[This book] is both an inspiring tale of the career of Col. Eileen Collins and an acknowledgment of the proud contributions of female Airmen who have performed valiantly in service to America.”—General C. Q. Brown, Jr., Air Force Chief of Staff.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents a theory of spacepower and considers the implications of space technology on strategy and international relations.

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Book SynopsisVolume 2 is a detailed, illustrated look at NASA's Gemini space program in the 1960s.Trade Review... these are the most detailed accounts I know of these pioneering programmes, bringing back memories of long ago for those of us old enough, providing inspiration for those not. -- Ray Ward, Popular Astronomy, December 2016

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Book SynopsisA detailed, illustrated look at NASA's Mercury space program in the 1960s.Trade Reviewthese are the most detailed accounts I know of these pioneering programmes, bringing back memories of long ago for those of us old enough, providing inspiration for those not. - Ray Ward, Popular Astronomy, Dec 2016

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Book SynopsisTaking a balanced look at issues that have contributed to decline of America's manned space program, such as lack of political support and funding, this book offers not only a critique but also a plan for enhancing US space security through cooperation rather than competition. It focuses on how policy changes of mid-1990s have changed the nation.Trade ReviewAny discussion of space policy would benefit from the informed, reasoned opinions of Joan Johnson-Freese. -- Eve Lichtgarn The Space ReviewTable of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments 1. A Clash of Ambitions 2. The Conundrum of Dual-Use Technology 3. From Apollo to Where? 4. The Militarization of Space 5. The Weaponization of Space 6. The Politicization of the U.S. Aerospace Industry 7. The Ambitions of Europe 8. The Ambitions of China 9. Avoiding a Clash of Ambitions: Toward a Comprehensive U.S. Space Strategy Notes Index

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Book SynopsisFind out ALL ABOUT space in this fun-filled fact book for kids aged 7+.

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Book Synopsis''IMPRESSIVE AND ILLUMINATING'' TOM HANKS This is the definitive account of the heroic Apollo programme. When astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took their ''giant leap for mankind'' across a ghostly lunar landscape, they were watched by some 600 million people on Earth 240,000 miles away.Drawing on hundreds of hours of in-depth interviews with the astronauts and mission personnel, this is the story of the twentieth century''s greatest human achievement, minute-by-minute, through the eyes of those who were there.From the tragedy of the fire in Apollo 1 during a simulated launch, Apollo 8''s bold pioneering flight around the moon, through to the euphoria of the first moonwalk, and to the discoveries made by the first scientist on the moon aboard Apollo 17, this book covers it all. ''An extraordinary book . . . Space, with its limitless boundaries, has the power to inspire, to change lives, to make the impossible happen. Chaikin''s superb book demonstrates how'' Sunday Times ''A superb account . . . Apollo may be the only achievement by which our age is remembered a thousand years from now'' Arthur C. Clarke ''The authoritative masterpiece'' Los Angeles TimesTrade ReviewAn extraordinary book . . . Space, with its limitless boundaries, has the power to inspire, to change lives, to make the impossible happen. Chaikin's superb book demonstrates how * Sunday Times *A superb account . . . Apollo may be the only achievement by which our age is remembered a thousand years from now -- Arthur C. ClarkeImpressive and illuminating -- Tom Hanks

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Book SynopsisThis book teaches the reader to build rockets--powered by compressed air, water, and solid propellant--with the maximum possible fun, safety, and educational experience.

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Book Synopsis''Inspirational'' Buzz AldrinWhen exactly did life begin? What really happened during the big bang - and before it? Is the universe expanding? Is dark matter real? Do we live in one of many worlds? What''s more, how can we prove any of this?This book is all about how we - any of us - can gain an understanding of the Universe in all its awe-inspiring glory. Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw take us on an epic journey of scientific exploration, revealing how the biggest questions - from the size of the earth to the distance to the stars - are answerable from our own back gardens. You don''t need a Large Hadron Collider or a Hubble Space Telescope to explore the cosmos. You just need this book.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewPraise for The Little Book of String Theory: "Gubser ... does a masterly job of introducing string theory in simple terms and without using math."--Library Journal Praise for The Little Book of String Theory: "Steven Gubser provides a brief introduction to this complicated topic, and condenses an enormous amount of information into this 'little book.'"--ForeWord Praise for The Little Book of String Theory: "You will probably finish the book more confused than when you started, but in the best possible way: with profound questions and a desire to learn more."--New Scientist

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Book SynopsisA practical guide aimed at beginners interested in learning about the Moon and how to image our closest satellite neighbour. The book contains the complete photographic process including equipment, settings, capture techniques, stacking and image processing, each of which is vitally important to producing a good image. The information is laid out in a visual and easy-to-understand format so that even the dark art of image processing will not seem quite so daunting. There are many high-quality colour photos of the Moon to help you learn about different lunar features and a list of 100 lunar targets identified as a challenge for you to find. All the targets have been captured by the author who provides a brief description of each feature and where it is located on the lunar surface. You will be surprised to discover the fine level of lunar detail which you can see from your back garden and once you start imaging, you will realise there is more to the Moon than meets the eye.

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Book SynopsisLook up...The Art of Stargazing is the ultimate insider's guide to the night sky in which award-winning space scientist and The Sky at Night presenter Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock shares her expertise and unique insights into the marvellous world of stars. Take a tour of the 88 constellations and explore the science, history, culture and romanticism behind these celestial bodies.In this must-have handbook for budding stargazers - and anyone looking for a little more wonder in their lives - Maggie will help you to identify stars and teach you the basics of naked-eye observation, offering fascinating facts plus advice on kit, 'dark sky' locations and much more. Also included are beautiful illustrations to accompany each constellation and an easy-to-read sky map. With Maggie by your side, the night sky will truly come alive.

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Book SynopsisHundreds of novels, films, and TV shows have speculated about what it would be like for us Earthlings to build cities on Mars. To make it a reality, however, these dreamers are in sore need of additional conceptual tools in their belt—particularly, a rich knowledge of city planning and design. Enter award-winning author and Tufts University professor, Justin Hollander. In this book, he draws on his experience as an urban planner and researcher of human settlements to provide a thoughtful exploration of what a city on Mars might actually look like. Exploring the residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure elements of such an outpost, the book is able to paint a vivid picture of how a Martian community would function – the layout of its public spaces, the arrangement of its buildings, its transportation network, and many more crucial aspects of daily life on another planet. Dr. Hollander then brings all these lessons to life through his own rendered plan for “Aleph,” one of many possible designs for the first city on Mars. Featuring a plethora of detailed, cutting-edge illustrations and blueprints for Martian settlements, this book at once inspires and grounds the adventurous spirit. It is a novel addition to the current planning underway to colonize the Red Planet, providing a rich review of how we have historically overcome challenging environments and what the broader lessons of urban planning can offer to the extraordinary challenge of building a permanent settlement on Mars. Trade Review“Throughout the book, Hollander applies his knowledge in an accessible way, illustrating points with figures from historical sources, as well as images of possible settlements pulled (with permission) from the latest studies on the subject. Overall, the book provides a highly researched and perfectly timed foundation into how humans can anticipate the needs of the future, and plan off-world colonies that are humane, sustainable, and beautiful places to live.” (nature astronomy, Vol. 7, May, 2023)“The book is rich and detailed, yet easy-to-read – and certain to engage any space enthusiast” (Ian Randall, physicsworld.com, March 15, 2023)Table of Contents1. Welcome to Mars 2. Learning from Earth’s Colonization 3. Lessons from Six Decades of Space Exploration4. Designing Mars for Humans: The First Principle 5. Transportation Dimensions6. Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Dimensions7. Non-Transportation Infrastructure Dimensions8. Mars Planning Precedents9. Other Off-World Planning Precedents 10. Template for a Mars Colony11. Conclusion

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Book SynopsisA detailed history of the American Space Shuttle Program from an award-winning NASA insider!

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Book SynopsisOn July 20th, 1969, over half of the world's population tuned in to witness the first lunar landing, waiting with bated breath as Neil Armstrong ventured outside the cabin door of Apollo 11 and declared "that's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind." As the most expensive civilian scientific and technological program in American history, Project Apollo symbolised the unmatched prestige of American space exploration. Yet despite appearances, the project was never just about winning the Space Race, advancing scientific progress, or even conquering the final frontier. Instead, the ambitions of Project Apollo would ultimately reveal that the American government was more interested in establishing its superiority much closer to home.In Operation Moonglow, Smithsonian curator Teasel Muir-Harmony explores how and why the moon landing became one of the most decisive geopolitical events of the 20th century. In the wake of the Soviet Union's pioneering launch of Sputnik in 1957 and a humiliating defeat at the Bay of Pigs four years later, President John F. Kennedy approached a budget-wary Congress with Project Apollo, an unconventional proposal that had the potential to restore America's tarnished geopolitical standing. With Cold War tensions between the Soviet Union and the United States approaching an all-time high, Kennedy argued that ramping up the space program would inspire global confidence in American excellence -- and might even persuade people in developing countries to pick American "freedom" over Soviet "tyranny." Following the successful return of Apollo 11, its illustrious crew embarked on a diplomatic tour around the world, celebrating the mission as an accomplishment for all of humanity. Meanwhile, the accompanying American officials used the trip as an opportunity to conduct secret meetings with influential heads of state, leveraging the space program's global popularity to advance American values and interests.More than just a history of spaceships, astronauts, and moon rocks, Operation Moonglow is a history of geopolitical manoeuvring, of propaganda and public diplomacy, and -- above all -- of the intricate relationship between scientific innovation and national identity. Featuring first-hand accounts by Apollo astronauts, original interviews with USIA and NASA staff, and never-before-seen archival materials, Operation Moonglow is the definitive account of the Apollo mission -- and a fascinating look at how the Space Race shaped the contours of globalisation and global interdependence.

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Book SynopsisSarah Cruddas is a gifted writer and Look Up is an inspired book. I am hopeful that we will never stop looking up.' Apollo 11 astronaut Michael CollinsMost of us have never been to space. To date, of the more than 100 billion humans that have ever existed, fewer than 600 humans have ever left Earth. But the exploration of space is the most significant thing we will ever do as a species.Sarah Cruddashas been looking to the skies her entire life. Her childhood was spent staring at the Moon and hearing stories of the space race, and she worked in a fruit factory to fund her love of the subject. Her subsequent career studying astrophysics, and becoming a television host and space journalist has seen her report on space exploration and chase launches across the world. InLook UpSarah explains why she has always been a passionate advocate for why space should matter to everyone.From our ancestors who first painted patterns of the stars in caves, to the US and Soviet pioneers who first forgedTrade Review‘Sarah Cruddas is a gifted writer and Look Up is an inspired book. I am hopeful that we will never stop looking up.’ Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins ‘If the Mars Rover landing left you breathless then try this new book by our Sarah Cruddas… she’ll inspire you further.’ Carol Vorderman ‘Full of optimism’ BBC Sky at Night Magazine ‘Practical and philosophical’ Choice Magazine ‘Genuinely one of the best space books I’ve read. The inclusiveness, breadth of topic and level of description are brilliant, coupled with the important underlying messages… I was very inspired indeed.’ Mark Ling, RAF Red Arrows

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Book SynopsisAn astonishing exploration of planet formation and the origins of life by one of the world’s most innovative planetary geologists.In 1959, the Soviet probe Luna 3 took the first photos of the far side of the moon.Trade Review“Delightful. ... The story swings from the birth of the universe, through the history of astronomy, to the modern understanding of the piece-by-piece building of the planets. ... Makes the solar system an even weirder and more wonderful place than it seemed before.” — Wall Street Journal “A gripping and endlessly fascinating account of how planets formed.” — Alan Stern, planetary scientist and leader of NASA’s New Horizons mission to Pluto "If the planets were born out of material orbiting the Sun, like raindrops condensing from a cloud, why do they differ so much in structure and chemical composition? This detailed book assesses the astronomical and geological evidence on the origin of planetary diversity." — Nature. "Best Science Picks of the week" “When the Earth Had Two Moons is a lyrical exploration of our solar system, introducing not just the facts of its formation and nature but the implications for all of us living on Earth.” — Amy Mainzer, visiting scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and professor of planetary science at the University of Arizona “An enthusiast as well as a fine writer, Asphaug lays it out from the beginning. . . . An expert, entertaining review of what’s known about the solar system.” — Kirkus Reviews “Asphaug draws upon his years of research and expertise to provide the reader with a truly wondrous and surprising exploration of planet formation and the origins of life. A meticulous and expertly presented work of science, When the Earth Had Two Moons is unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended.” — Midwest Book Review “An enthusiastic and erudite guide.” — Publishers Weekly

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Book Synopsis“A colorful page-turner.” —Walter Isaacson, New York Times Book Review“As important a book on space as has ever been written.” —Homer Hickam, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Rocket BoysThe dramatic inside story of the historic flights that launched SpaceX—and Elon Musk—from a shaky start-up into the world’s leading-edge rocket company.SpaceX has enjoyed a miraculous decade. Less than 20 years after its founding, it boasts the largest constellation of commercial satellites in orbit, has pioneered reusable rockets, and in 2020 became the first private company to launch human beings into orbit. Half a century after the space race it is private companies, led by SpaceX, standing alongside NASA, pushing forward into the cosmos, and laying the foundation for our exploration of other worlds

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Book SynopsisAn Instant New York Times Bestseller The inspiration for the HBO Original documentary Wild Wild Space, now streaming on MaxA momentous look at the private companies building a revolutionary new economy in space, from theNew York Timesbestselling author ofElon MuskIn When the Heavens Went on Sale, Ashlee Vance illuminates our future and unveils the next big technology story of our time: welcome to the Wild West of aerospace engineering and its unprecedented impact on our lives.With the launch of SpaceXs Falcon 1 rocket in 2008, Silicon Valley began to realize that the universe itself was open for business. Now, Vance tells the remarkable, unfolding story of this frenzied intergalactic land grab by following four pioneering companiesAstra, Firefly, Planet Labs, and Rocket Labas they build new space systems and attempt to launch rockets and satellites into orbit b

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Book Synopsis For introductory course in space flight dynamics. A self-contained, integrated introduction to the performance aspects of flight — how to get into space, how to get around in space, and how to return to Earth or land on another planet (as opposed to specialized areas of life support, guidance and control, or communications).Table of Contents 1. Introduction. 2. Two-Body Orbital Mechanics. 3. Geocentric Orbits and Trajectories. 4. Time of Flight. 5. Interplanetary Tranfers. 6. Vehicle and Booster Performance. 7. Atmospheric Entry. 8. Orbital Elements and Earth Tracks. 9. The Ballistic Missile. 10. Attitude Dynamics and Control. Appendix A: Some Useful Vector Operations. Appendix B: Planetary Values. Appendix C: Additional Illustrations. Selected References. Index.

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Book SynopsisThe fascinating story of how NASA sent humans to explore outer space, told through a treasure trove of historical documents--publishing in celebration of NASA's 60th anniversary and with a foreword by Bill NyeAn extremely useful and thought provoking documentary journey through the maze of space history. There is no wiser or more experienced navigator through the twists and turns and ups and downs than John Logsdon. -James Hansen, New York Times bestselling author of First Man, now a feature film starring Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy Among all the technological accomplishments of the last century, none has captured our imagination more deeply than the movement of humans into outer space. From Sputnik to SpaceX, the story of that journey--including the inside history of our voyages to the moon depicted in First Man--is told as never before in The Penguin Book of Outer Space Exploration. RTrade Review"Somebody needed to do it. And Professor John Logsdon is uniquely qualified for the task — to reveal the cultural, political, and scientific correspondence that birthed and sustains our era of space exploration. The fits and starts of good ideas, the precarious flows of funding streams, the fickle sentiments of the public will — it’s all there, right on down to transcripts of illuminating conversations held in the Oval Office between the President and key players in this epic adventure." -Neil deGrasse Tyson, New York Times bestselling author of Astrophysics for People in a Hurry"I wish I'd had this terrific collection of critically important and richly insightful primary sources during my 31 years teaching university students about the history of space exploration. This new book provides an extremely useful and thought provoking documentary journey through the maze of space history. There is no wiser or more experienced navigator through the twists and turns and ups and downs than John Logsdon." -James Hansen, New York Times bestselling author of First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong"Brimming with fascinating behind-the-scenes details from the birth of the Space Age through the race to the Moon and beyond, this remarkable collection from one of America's preeminent space historians is a treasure.” -Andrew Chaikin, author of A Man on the Moon "As a NASA astronaut, I already knew a lot about the history of human space flight, but this book contained a wealth of new and exciting revelations. I felt like a fly on the wall listening as critical decisions were being made about how to go to the Moon and whether or not to build the Space Shuttle. And what a thrill to read John Glenn’s own summary of his historic Mercury flight! There’s something here for everyone interested in any aspect of human space flight." -Jeff Hoffman, NASA astronaut and MIT professor"The story of space exploration is marked by a series of turning points, a series of policy decisions. These decisions are documented well enough, but the key documents would be very hard to find, if you didn't where to look. Dr. Logsdon does. He's the dean of space history. He is the world's foremost authority on which of the hundreds of thousands of documents hold the keys to knowing what and why significant things happened on Earth that influenced our presence in space." -Bill Nye, from the foreword“[John Logsdon] clearly knows and is inspired by his material, and his enthusiasm comes through here…. An absorbing read for space exploration enthusiasts, from high schoolers to adults.”—Library Journal “A fascinating look at an extraordinary time….This wonderful little book should be in everyman’s library.”—The Albany Times-Union

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Book SynopsisThis book combines, for the first time, the topics of radar polarimetry and interferometry. This combination was first developed in 1997 and has since become a major topic in radar sciences and their applications, in particular to space sciences. In its simplest form it concerns the study of interferograms formed by combining waves with different polarisations and their exploitation to infer important physical properties of the planetary surface being investigated. The book is written in three main sections. The first four chapters provide a detailed coverage of all major topics of polarimetry, including its basis in electromagnetic scattering theory, decomposition theorems, and a detailed analysis of the entropy/alpha approach. The next chapter offers a brief introduction to radar interferometry, before developing in three chapters the important new topic of polarimetric interferometry. In this way the book provides a complete treatment of the subject, suitable for those working in inTrade Review'Polarisation' is promising as a reference for quantitative specialists outside the radar community who want to understand what polarimetry has to offer their particular field. It is also a fine reference for students who need to learn and keep the notation straight for coding and experimental design. It is a worthwhile book to keep on your shelf if you ever want to relate a particular polarization-based, remotely sensed finding to your own research. * Physics Today *Table of Contents1. Polarised electromagnetic waves ; 2. Depolarisation and scattering entropy ; 3. Depolarisation in surface and volume scattering ; 4. Decomposition theorems ; 5. Introduction to radar interferometry ; 6. Polarimetric interferometry ; 7. The coherence of surface and volume scattering ; 8. Parameter estimation using polarimetric interferometry ; 9. Applications of polarimetry and interferometry ; Appendix 1: Introduction to matrix algebra ; Appendix 2: Unitary and rotation groups ; Appendix 3: Coherent stochastic signal analysis

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Trade Review"Lessons in cosmology and astrophysics abound in this enthusiastic primer from physicist Davies. In answering thirty questions, Davies aims to show how 'beautiful and awe-inspiring' the world is. . . . Accessible writing and a breezy appreciation for discovery make this a great introduction for readers new to physics." * Publishers Weekly *"Dark matter, black holes, dark energy: with all this shadowy terminology in play, it’s no wonder when laypeople find cosmology off-putting, so What’s Eating the Universe? illumines the mysteries of quantum physics in a nonthreatening way." * Foreword Reviews *"A whirlwind tour through the vastness of space and the innermost recesses of subatomic matter. . . . A long career in cosmology, astrobiology, and quantum mechanics gives Davies a keen insight into the realities of research. . . . Like the immense void that gapes across the sky in the direction of the constellation Eridanus, a yawning emptiness that some have suggested may be the sign of another universe set to gobble up our own, the mysteries of space are so vast and so strange that we cannot but be amazed." * Wall Street Journal *"Astrophysicist Davies takes a tour of the cosmos’s grand questions and considers, among other things, supermassive black holes." * Publishers Weekly *"From ancient astronomy and Newton's Law of gravity to dark energy, time loops and extraterrestrial life, the distinguished science writer with a 'short, inspiring and highly entertaining' account of the history of the universe, framed through thirty cosmological conundrums." * Bookseller *"Understanding theoretical physics is a daunting task, but cosmologist Davies’s new book What’s Eating the Universe? is here to guide readers through the field. Davies covers general relativity, antimatter, time travel, the multiverse, and just about any other topic he could fit into the book’s two hundred pages. Each chapter is short—less than ten pages—but jargon-free and full of information. Davies uses a conversational tone to draw the reader in as he skims the history, experiments, and significance of each concept. Regardless of the reader’s prior physics knowledge, the book provides an accessible introduction to cosmology." * Physics Today *"A whistle-stop tour of the biggest mysteries that cosmologists are investigating today. . . . The eponymous chapter details an unexpected void-like cold spot that astronomers have found in the constellation of Eridanus. Speculations follow that our universe might be spontaneously engulfed by a collision with another, or by the quantum vacuum decaying to a lower energy level. If you can bear to contemplate such scary prospects, this book is a fun way of making sure you’re all caught up on where cosmology is at today." * Physics World *"This is physicist and renowned author Davies’s specialty—providing interesting and provocative commentary on the most profound questions the universe has to offer. And in his compelling new book, What’s Eating the Universe?, Davies excels in succinctly addressing the big intangibles; the cosmological conundrums that haven’t received as much attention as dark matter, dark energy, what triggered the big bang, and the ultimate fate of the universe." * Forbes *"What's Eating the Universe? gives a concise summary of what we know about the universe, including the Big Bang, inflation, the existence . . . of what we call dark matter and dark energy, the possibility of other universes, black holes and the nature of time—all in around 150 accessible and beautifully written pages that can be read in short, discrete chunks. As a whistle-stop tour, it is breathtaking." * Times Higher Education *“Why is the night sky dark? Where is the center of the Universe? Is time travel possible? How many universes are there? These are some of the thirty questions that Davies tackles in his latest book. Some of the answers are settled by consensus, others are more speculative; all are thought-provoking. The chapters are arranged roughly in chronological order of the observations and theoretical advances to which they relate, making the book an entertaining and accessible whistle-stop tour of (mostly Western) thinking about cosmology.” * Nature Astronomy *"Recommended [for] all readers." * Choice *“Brilliant. You won’t find a clearer, more engaging guide to what we know (or would like to know) about the universe and how it is put together.” -- Bill Bryson“What’s Eating the Universe? is a veritable feast for curious minds. Davies, a polymath and lyrical writer, masterfully tackles all the big questions ranging from why this Universe to the meaning of life and the significance of the present moment—a whirlwind journey through ideas that have shaped our understanding of the cosmos and its constituents.” -- Priyamvada Natarajan, author of "Mapping the Heavens: The Radical Scientific Ideas That Reveal the Cosmos"“A whistle-stop tour of the major questions in contemporary cosmology.” -- Philip Ball, author of "Beyond Weird: Why Everything You Thought You Knew about Quantum Physics Is Different"“Davies gives us a thought-provoking, fascinating, and delightful journey through some of the Big Questions that have perplexed and tantalized scientists throughout history. These are the questions and paradoxes that have stumped and teased history’s greatest minds. What happened before the beginning? What is the meaning of the universe? Are there other universes?” -- Michio Kaku“Davies brings his customary lucidity to a survey of some of the most fascinating and puzzling aspects of our universe, simultaneously educating us about its vertiginous wonders and giving us a real sense of science’s questions as it confronts and explores them and wrestles with their mystery. It is an absorbing and stimulating read, one of the best of its kind.” -- A. C. Grayling“What’s Eating the Universe? is Davies at his very best. He brings a lifetime of experience in explaining mysteries of space and time to offer thought-provoking essays on deep questions in bite-sized, easily digestible chunks. There is no better overview of the advances made by cosmologists in recent decades.” -- John Gribbin“Davies has selected a wonderful potpourri of deep questions with incomplete answers. The result is a delightful, fresh-smelling account of the cutting edge of modern cosmology. He is truly exceptional at explaining all of this in his inimitable style—let’s say ‘astropoetry.’” -- Simon Mitton, University of Cambridge"A lucid, simple, informative, and good-humored primer on the big questions of modern physics and cosmology, which describes not only the triumphs, but the remaining difficulties. Davies at his best!" -- Ian Stewart, author of "Calculating the Cosmos" "Davies’ What’s Eating the Universe? is an accessible and engaging introduction to cosmology that will surely pique the interest of students, scholars, and the general public. Davies’ clear and captivating narrative style brings the reader on a journey through cosmological mysteries, while covering a wide range of topics that go beyond the usual fare of popular science books. . . . Davies’s book is a valuable resource for the philosophy classroom and for those philosophers interested in a brief summary of contemporary physical cosmology." * Metascience *Table of ContentsPreface 1. Journey from the Edge of Time 2. The Search for the Key to the Universe 3. Why is It Dark at Night? 4. The Big Bang 5. Where is the Centre of the Universe? 6. Why the Cosmos is Actually Fairly Simple 7. What is the Speed of Space? 8. What is the Shape of Space? 9. Explaining the Cosmic Big Fix 10. Most of Our Universe is Missing 11. What is Dark Energy? 12. Where Does Matter Come From? 13. Gravity Conquers All 14. Warped Time and Black Holes 15. Is Time Travel Possible? 16. What is the Source of Time’s Puzzling Arrow? 17. The Black Hole Paradox 18. A Theory of Everything? 19. Fossils from the Cosmic Dawn 20. Can the Universe Come from Nothing? 21. How Many Universes Are There? 22. The Goldilocks Enigma 23. What’s Eating the Universe? 24. Is the Universe Actually a Botched Job? 25. Are We Alone? 26. Is ET in Our Backyard? 27. Why Am I Living Now? 28. The Fate of Our Universe 29. Is There a Meaning to It All? 30. What’s New on the Cosmic Horizon? Index

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Shindell describes his book as ‘the history of human ideas about Mars’, and he thoughtfully follows its winding path through religion, literature and pop culture. . . . [He] persuasively argues that Mars is most instructive when it sheds light on how we see ourselves.” * New York Times *“[Shindell’s] fascinating narrative details how today’s discussions have been conditioned by distant antecedents. The book is a compact yet expansive survey, delving judiciously into the histories of religion and science, mass culture and popular literature, the Cold War and the Space Race—highlighting past mistakes and commending new possibilities.” * Wall Street Journal *"Shindell crafts a human-centered history of an alien world. For the Love of Mars offers a readable history of speculation and exploration about Mars, beginning with the skywatchers of ancient Mayan, Chinese, and Babylonian civilizations and ending with the scientists and engineers who work on current robotic missions." * Science *“Armchair astronomers and history buffs alike will find this to be a fresh and engaging account.” * Booklist *"This insightful history will charm readers of popular science, science fiction, and history." * Library Journal *"Shindell describes efforts to understand a celestial body closer to home, tracing the red planet’s evolution in the popular imagination." * Publishers Weekly *“If you want to be surprised and inspired by humankind’s fascination with the Red Planet, For the Love of Mars is a great read.” * BBC Sky at Night Magazine *“This is the right voice to bring Mars vividly to life. Shindell’s history of what we know about the red planet goes beyond Western ideas, bringing valuable knowledge from many times, places, and cultures both into our view and into rich conversation. Its diverse perspectives and cast of characters make For the Love of Mars an essential read.” * Janet Vertesi, author of Shaping Science: Organizations, Decisions, and Culture on NASA’s Teams *“Through a wonderful combination of scholarly scientific research and thoughtful humanist perspective, Shindell’s For the Love of Mars provides a delightfully educational and entertaining history of our exploration of the red planet.” * Jim Bell, Mars researcher and coauthor of Discovering Mars: A History of Observation and Exploration of the Red Planet *“Shindell has done the impossible: setting out the long history of human engagement with the red planet over thousands of years in a single book. For the Love of Mars is compelling reading for anyone who has ever looked at, or even just wondered about, the fourth world from the sun and whether we'll set foot on it someday.” * Robert Massey, deputy executive director of the Royal Astronomical Society *"Humans are unsettled by incomplete data, unanswered questions. Show us objects in the night sky, and we create worlds. So it has been with Mars, conspicuous to us Earthbound gazers as one of the heavenly bodies that wanders from place to place against the backdrop of the stars. . . . a world that could share features with our own, as images of the known and unknown were both refashioned through intertwined changes in observation, understanding, exploration and belief. It’s that long evolution of ideas – not yet concluded – that Matthew Shindell relates in this compact survey." * The Arts Desk *"More than justifies itself as ‘another book about Mars’ in exploring the planet from a distinct and thought-provoking perspective." * E&T *"By focusing on the diverse human stories behind the telescopes and behind the robots we know and love, Shindell shows how Mars exploration has evolved in ways that have also expanded knowledge about other facets of the universe. Captained by an engaging and erudite expert, For the Love of Mars is a captivating voyage through time and space for anyone curious about Curiosity and the red planet." * Sandbox World *"Because of its visibility and striking color, everyone from Mayan priests to modern scientists have sought to center [Mars] in some way in human life. In this book, Shindell explores the ways our curiosity and subsequent exploration of the planet has led us to understanding the rest of our world as well." * Bookriot *"Historians of science are already well-acquainted with Mars’ centrality to science itself, as the Red Planet’s retrograde motion through the night sky led Renaissance and Enlightenment astronomers to toss out the wisdom of the Greeks and map out a series of laws of motion we now call physics. Science, though, is only part of this story: faith, fear, imperialism, and demonstrations of national prowess all figure in Shindell’s stories of Martian exploration, from the construction of telescopes to the landing of rovers on the Martian surface and preparations for future human settlement." * Quest *"By focusing on the diverse human stories behind the telescopes and behind the robots we know and love, the author shows how Mars exploration has evolved in ways that have also expanded knowledge about other facets of the universe. This book is a captivating voyage through time and space for anyone curious about Curiosity and the Red Planet." * LPIB *Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Prologue: Mars in the Time of COVID-19 Introduction: Keeping Up with Mars 1 Mars and the Cosmic State 2 Mars in the Medieval Imagination 3 Restructuring the World 4 The Making of Modern Mars 5 Cold War Red Planet 6 Mars and the New Millennium Conclusion: The Human Future of Mars? Acknowledgments Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated trip around Planet Earth from the perspective of the International Space Station, resulting in a vibrant tribute to the wonders of nature and the effects of climate change.

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Book SynopsisJames Clay Moltz explores efforts by China, Japan, India, South Korea, and ten other countries to boost their civil, commercial, and, in some cases, military profiles in orbit. He investigates these nations’ divergent goals and their tendency to focus on national solutions rather than on regionwide cooperation and multilateral initiatives.Trade ReviewClay Moltz's masterful survey of rapidly developing Asian space programs sheds new light on the complex economic, military, and political forces driving them. The significance of Asian space efforts extends beyond immediate technical and scientific achievements and foreshadows the future of international cooperation and competition across the Asia-Pacific region. -- Scott Pace, director, Space Policy Institute, George Washington University Asian states are latecomers to space, yet their collective choices will shape the space environment in the twenty-first century. Clay Moltz has written a theoretically informed, comparative book that expertly analyzes the strategic, economic, and domestic factors driving Asian states into space. He highlights the national and regional dynamics that are making space an increasingly 'congested, contested, and competitive environment,' but also identifies common interests and incentives that could support more cooperative outcomes. A must-read for space experts and Asia specialists alike. -- Phillip C. Saunders, National Defense University, coauthor of The Paradox of Power: Sino-American Strategic Restraint in an Era of Vulnerability As humankind enters a new and more globalized spacefaring era, many hope outer space can become a commons for cooperation. Yet Asian space powers risk a more divisive and destabilizing prospect: an Asian space race. In this exceptional book, Clay Moltz provides the best read available to describe and explain the remarkably dynamic, increasingly crowded, and troublingly competitive field of Asian civil, commercial, and military space activity and presents a range of well-reasoned policy prescriptions for a stronger and more effective regime for space security among Asian powers and their neighbors, especially the United States. -- Bates Gill, director, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), and coeditor of Governing the Bomb: Civilian Control and Democratic Accountability of Nuclear Weapons Serious followers of space technology and politics will find his analysis invaluably informative. Booklist Offering readers unfamiliar with international space politics an alarming picture of the hidden but turbulent developments in Asia, this book is recommended for serious readers in international relations and policymaking.Library Journal Library Journal Moltz deftly melds technological expertise with history and political analysis. -- Andrew J. Nathan Foreign Affairs ...the book should be on the 'must-read' list of senior and mid-level officer education programs...a highly useful primer on the nexus of space technology and geopolitics. -- Lieutenant Colonel Brian Hanley, U.S. Air Force (retired) Proceedings This articulate, comprehensive book provides illuminating insight into a region on the space-power fast track. -- Col Richard B. Van Hook, USAF Air Force Research Institute Book Reviews Asia's Space Race gives readers a succinct overview of a substantial amount of consequential material, especially trends in space...Moltz's book is a must-read for those who need to quickly get smart on the subject of space. -- Joan Johnson-Freese Nonproliferation Review ...a valuable resource both for readers new to the field of Asian space policy and to those seeking a comparative analysis of individual national programmes. -- Columba Peoples Space Policy His thoughtful examination exposes how economic and political competition among Asian nations has released new 'forces that have made space a very different and more complicated environment than it was during the cold war' -- James Matray H-Diplo ...important analysis, well designed for classroom use and also for general readers. -- Roger D. Launius Quest This book is unique for telling the story of the race from a comparative perspective. SurvivalTable of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction. Asia's New Presence in Space 1. Asian Space Developments: Motivations and Trends 2. The Japanese Space Program: Moving Toward "Normalcy" 3. The Chinese Space Program: From Turbulent Past to Promising Future 4. The Indian Space Program: Rising to a Challenge 5. The South Korean Space Program: Emerging from Dependency 6. Emerging Asian Space Programs: Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, North Korea, Pakistan, The Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam 7. Asia's Space Race: Implications for Regional and Global Policy Notes Index

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Book SynopsisJames Clay Moltz explores efforts by China, Japan, India, South Korea, and ten other countries to boost their civil, commercial, and, in some cases, military profiles in orbit. He investigates these nations’ divergent goals and their tendency to focus on national solutions rather than on regionwide cooperation and multilateral initiatives.Trade ReviewClay Moltz's masterful survey of rapidly developing Asian space programs sheds new light on the complex economic, military, and political forces driving them. The significance of Asian space efforts extends beyond immediate technical and scientific achievements and foreshadows the future of international cooperation and competition across the Asia-Pacific region. -- Scott Pace, director, Space Policy Institute, George Washington University Asian states are latecomers to space, yet their collective choices will shape the space environment in the twenty-first century. Clay Moltz has written a theoretically informed, comparative book that expertly analyzes the strategic, economic, and domestic factors driving Asian states into space. He highlights the national and regional dynamics that are making space an increasingly 'congested, contested, and competitive environment,' but also identifies common interests and incentives that could support more cooperative outcomes. A must-read for space experts and Asia specialists alike. -- Phillip C. Saunders, National Defense University, coauthor of The Paradox of Power: Sino-American Strategic Restraint in an Era of Vulnerability As humankind enters a new and more globalized spacefaring era, many hope outer space can become a commons for cooperation. Yet Asian space powers risk a more divisive and destabilizing prospect: an Asian space race. In this exceptional book, Clay Moltz provides the best read available to describe and explain the remarkably dynamic, increasingly crowded, and troublingly competitive field of Asian civil, commercial, and military space activity and presents a range of well-reasoned policy prescriptions for a stronger and more effective regime for space security among Asian powers and their neighbors, especially the United States. -- Bates Gill, director, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), and coeditor of Governing the Bomb: Civilian Control and Democratic Accountability of Nuclear Weapons Serious followers of space technology and politics will find his analysis invaluably informative. Booklist Offering readers unfamiliar with international space politics an alarming picture of the hidden but turbulent developments in Asia, this book is recommended for serious readers in international relations and policymaking.Library Journal Library Journal Moltz deftly melds technological expertise with history and political analysis. -- Andrew J. Nathan Foreign Affairs ...the book should be on the 'must-read' list of senior and mid-level officer education programs...a highly useful primer on the nexus of space technology and geopolitics. -- Lieutenant Colonel Brian Hanley, U.S. Air Force (retired) Proceedings This articulate, comprehensive book provides illuminating insight into a region on the space-power fast track. -- Col Richard B. Van Hook, USAF Air Force Research Institute Book Reviews Asia's Space Race gives readers a succinct overview of a substantial amount of consequential material, especially trends in space...Moltz's book is a must-read for those who need to quickly get smart on the subject of space. -- Joan Johnson-Freese Nonproliferation Review ...a valuable resource both for readers new to the field of Asian space policy and to those seeking a comparative analysis of individual national programmes. -- Columba Peoples Space Policy His thoughtful examination exposes how economic and political competition among Asian nations has released new 'forces that have made space a very different and more complicated environment than it was during the cold war' -- James Matray H-Diplo ...important analysis, well designed for classroom use and also for general readers. -- Roger D. Launius Quest This book is unique for telling the story of the race from a comparative perspective. SurvivalTable of ContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction. Asia's New Presence in Space1. Asian Space Developments: Motivations and Trends2. The Japanese Space Program: Moving Toward "Normalcy"3. The Chinese Space Program: From Turbulent Past to Promising Future4. The Indian Space Program: Rising to a Challenge5. The South Korean Space Program: Emerging from Dependency6. Emerging Asian Space Programs: Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, North Korea, Pakistan, The Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam7. Asia's Space Race: Implications for Regional and Global PolicyNotesIndex

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