Describes rockets, exploratory vehicles, and other technological aspects of space exploration, satellites, space stations, and the life and work of astronauts.

Award-winning science writer and documentarian Rod Pyle presents an insider's perspective on the most unusual and bizarre space missions ever devised inside and outside of NASA. The incredible projects described here were not merely flights of fancy dreamed up by space enthusiasts, but actual missions planned by leading aeronautical engineers. Some were designed but not built; others were built but not flown; and a few were flown to failure but little...

Provides answers to commonly asked questions about space exploration, including "Which was the first living being in space?" and "Do you grow taller or shorter in space?"

How does one go about organizing something as complicated as a strategic-missile or space-exploration program? Stephen B. Johnson here explores the answer-systems management-in a groundbreaking study that involves Air Force planners, scientists, technical specialists, and, eventually, bureaucrats. Taking a comparative approach, Johnson focuses on the theory, or intellectual history, of "systems engineering" as such, its origins in the Air Force's...

In 2019, China astonished the world by landing a spacecraft and rover on the far side of the Moon, something never achieved by any country before. China had already become the world's leading spacefaring nation by rockets launched, sending more into orbit than any other. China is now a great space superpower alongside the United States and Russia, sending men and women into orbit, building a space laboratory (Tiangong) and sending probes to the Moon...

When Valentina Tereshkova blasted off aboard Vostok 6 on June 16, 1963, she became the first woman to rocket into space. It would be 19 years before another woman got a chance--cosmonaut Svetlana Savitskaya in 1982--followed by American astronaut Sally Ride a year later. By breaking the stratospheric ceiling, these women forged a path for many female astronauts, cosmonauts, and mission specialists to follow. Women in Space profiles 23 pioneers, including...

"Ever wondered what it might be like to work in the space industry? According to aerospace professional and popular science communicator Kellie Gerardi, that future doesn't rest solely on the shoulders of rocket scientists. Gerardi's nontraditional path in the space industry shows us that humanity's next giant leap will require the contributions of artists, engineers, and everyone in between. Gerardi takes us on a tour of this unique era of history...

What are rovers, and how do they safely land on and explore other planets? The answers to these questions and more are waiting for readers to discover as they explore the fascinating world of rovers. Readers are introduced to the stories of famous Mars rovers, including Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity. They learn who controls rovers, what discoveries rovers have made, and many other fun facts about these space vehicles. Fact boxes provide additional...

Space vehicles are out of this world! But how do they fly out into space? How do they carry people safely? And what parts do these amazing aircraft have? Find the answers inside this book!

"Wars are not just fought on the ground--militaries around the world have looked to the sky (and beyond) for many years. In order to employ technology such as rockets and satellites in warfare, engineers and other military members had to develop a strong understanding of STEM. This understanding is shared with readers through engaging text that presents common curriculum topics through a high-interest lens. Additional information is provided through...