Description
Book SynopsisMars has captured the human imagination for decades. Since NASA's establishment in 1958, the space agency has looked to Mars as a compelling prize, the one place, beyond the Moon, where robotic and human exploration could converge. This book analyzes the history of the robotic Mars exploration program from its origins to today.
Trade ReviewLambright tells a thorough story of NASA's efforts to send a series of increasingly capable spacecraft to Mars. The flyby missions of Mariner 4 and its successors led to the first Mars orbiter, Mariner 9, and then the Viking program of orbiters and landers... The history of NASA's robotic Mars exploration program, as recounted in Why Mars, can provide lessons learned and guidance for its future. -- Jeff Foust The Space Review Henry Lambright has put together a tour-de-force of just how rocky has been the NASA road to Mars... Why Mars is an important addition to the literature. -- David Baker Spaceflight Author W. Henry Lambright has written an absorbing and detailed look at the long trail of robotic Mars exploration program from its origins to today. This is an excellent review of the politics and policies behind NASA's multi-decade quest at exploring the Red Planet, the roles of key individuals and institutions, including a look at triumphs and defeats in reaching Mars. -- Leonard David The Coalition for Space Exploration The reading is very compelling, and Lambright makes the topic come to life, particularly in the way he discusses key NASA officials and scientists... A useful resource for those interested in the history of the space program and in public policy regarding large-scale science projects. Choice
Table of ContentsPreface
Introduction
1. The Call of Mars
2. Beginning the Quest
3. Leaping Forward
4. Searching for Life
5. Struggling to Restart
6. Moving Up the Agenda
7. Prioritizing Mars
8. Accelerating Mars Sample Return
9. Overreaching, Rethinking
10. Adopting "Follow the Water"
11. Implementing amidst Conflict
12. Attempting Alliance
13. Landing on Mars and Looking Ahead
Conclusion
Notes
Index
