Book Description

In 1969, Michael Collins went to the moon with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the historic Apollo 11 flight. When he came back, he wrote the finest account we have of the training and the experiences of a test pilot and astronaut. This is the story of one of the great adventures of this century.

First published in 1974
New epilogue by the author
Drawings, color and b&w photos ... Read more

Reviews (31)

The inside story -- well written
I read it, and re-read it. I couldn't put it down. Along with the information on the US Space program itself, it has insights into the family life of the astros as well as how they interacted with each other. As a bonus, a strong sense of humor comes through in the writing that makes the sometimes technical nature of the book spring to life. It is very entertaining! Far from a dry account of "I did this," you are left with a clearer sense of the incredible magnitude of the US Apollo and Gemini programs. If you ever wondered what went through those men's minds as they made history, this is the book for you! Thank you Mr. Collins!

Great Book - Tells What it Was Like
I found this book by referral from other's reviews of lesser astronaut books. Several reviews said, in effect, "don't read this book but find yourself a copy of Carrying the Fire." So I did and now I know what they meant.

Michael Collins was the third astronaut on the famous Apollo 11 flight that landed on the moon in July, 1969. Unfortunately, because he wasn't one of the two in the Lunar Module, he isn't often mentioned. He stayed in lunar orbit as the Command Module Pilot. This book is Collins' telling of what it was like to be an astronaut, both in the Gemini and Apollo programs. He talks about the astronaut selection process, and what it was like to go through it. And he tells the story - from a very personal perspective, of what it was like, what he felt, what he worried about, what angered him, and well...you get the idea - of preparing for and flying a Gemini and Apollo mission.

Because this is his story, and his first person telling of the story, there isn't really anything here about the lunar landing itself. Rather, he talks about what he was doing when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed and walked on the moon.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It often made me laugh out loud and I certainly believe that I now know how Collins felt during his tenure as one of America's Astronauts. I found the book both well-written and engaging. I also found, to my surprise, that this is a humble, revealing and candid story. Highly recommended if you are interested in the genre.

No Question About It--The Best Astronaut Memoir Ever!
There have been several excellent Apollo astronaut memoirs, especially Gene Cernan's "The Last Man on the Moon" and Jim Lovell's "Lost Moon," which was made into the feature film "Apollo 13." This one is still the most honest and reflective of them all. It extends a tradition of the aviator as litterateur into the age of space travel.

Collins had an illustrious career as an astronaut. Chosen in the third group of astronauts in 1963, he served as backup pilot for Gemini VII, pilot for Gemini X, and command module pilot for Apollo 11. On that last mission he became the loneliest man in the universe when his two crewmates, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, landed on the Moon while he remained in orbit around the Moon in the Command Module. In "Carrying the Fire" Collins writes of his solitude in lunar orbit in July 1969. As he disappeared on the backside of the Moon from Earth, he recalled, "I am alone now, truly alone, and absolutely isolated from any known life, I am it. If a count were taken, the score would be three billion plus two over on the other side of the moon, and one plus God only knows what on this side. I feel this powerfully-not as fear or loneliness-but as awareness, anticipation, satisfaction, confidence, almost exultation. I like the feeling. Outside my window I can see stars-and that is all. Where I know the moon to be, there is simply a black void, the moon's presence is defined solely by the absence of stars." He compared it to being in a skiff in the middle of the ocean with only the stars above and black water below. It proved a profoundly moving experience for him.

Michael Collins left NASA in 1970 and became the first director of the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, continuing to write eloquently of the possibilities of spaceflight. Among other works he published "Liftoff: The Story of America's Adventure in Space" (1988) and "Mission to Mars" (1990), a powerful exposition on the value of a human mission to Mars.

"Carrying the Fire" is the first candid book about life as an astronaut. The author comments on other astronauts, describes the seemingly endless preparations for flights to the Moon, and assesses the results. He also describes what he thinks of as the most important perspective that emerged from his flight, a realization of the fragility of the Earth. He wrote that "from space there is no hint of ruggedness to it; smooth as a billiard ball, it seems delicately poised on its circular journey around the Sun, and above all it seems fragile...Is the sea water clean enough to pour over your head, or is there a glaze of oil on its surface?...Is the riverbank a delight or an obscenity? The difference between a blue-and-white planet and a black-and-brown one is delicate indeed."

It is a powerful and moving memoir. Read it more than once and lend copies to your friends. You, and they, will not be disappointed.

One of the best
This is an excellent book. One of the best in regards to the space program and the ultimate in goals, the moon.
My interests are in the Mercury through Apollo era. This one goes through many aspects in a easy to read yet not dull form.
Fact filled, humorous, humble even.
This is a must read or must own if you are a space enthusiast.
Mr. Collin's other book, "Liftoff" is another excellent book. It held my interest as did this one.
But, that is another review.

Funny stuff!
I thought Collins's book was the best of any I have read about the golden age of the US space program. Collins was funny; made me laugh out loud a bunch. I also recommend "Deke!" and "A Man on the Moon." ... Read more

Book Description

Gordon Cooper was one of the original Mercury Seven astronauts, a select group of the nation's top military test pilots who braved the frontiers of space in the days when strapping yourself to a rocket meant you would be either a hundred miles up or six feet under. Today he is undeniably a part of our nation's history as one of the four surviving Mercury Seven space pioneers. In Leap of Faith, Cooper not only reveals compellingly what went on behind the scenes of the early U.S. space program, but he also takes dead aim at the next millennium of space travel with his strong views on the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence--and even the distinct possibility that we have already had contact.

During his distinguished military flying career, Cooper was one of the best of the best at Edwards Air Force Base, where the setting of world records for speed, endurance, and altitude was an everyday occurrence. Even before joining this nation's newly formed manned space program, he understood the dangerous nature of new technologies: hanging it over the edge and pushing the envelope, then hauling it back in and doing it again tomorrow.

"Gordo" Cooper learned to fly with his father at age eight in his hometown of Shawnee, Oklahoma, and soloed by the time he was twelve. As an impressionable boy, he met overnight visitors to the Cooper household, including famous aviators like Amelia Earhart and Wiley Post, which only heightened his desire to take to the skies.

Ride with Cooper through his adventurous life in the cockpits of planes and spacecraft alike--he was the last American to go into space alone, exactly thirty-five years ago. He flew in Mercury and Gemini, and served as head of flight crew operations for both Apollo and Skylab, America's first orbiting space station. He was also backup command pilot for Apollo X and directed design input changes for the space shuttle program. He was buddies with Gus Grissom, who died in the tragic Apollo I fire at Cape Canaveral, and was close to Wernher von Braun, the German rocket scientist who was responsible for the United States beating Russia into space, and then to the Moon. Through it all, Cooper, a hero who shuns the label, speaks candidly of his defeats as well as his accomplishments. His life is a tapestry of space travel in the twentieth century.

And beyond. From a source as credible as Gordo Cooper come these claims: He innocently took revealing pictures of the mysterious Area 51 during his Gemini mission and ended up in the White House speaking about it to the president of the United States; he and other military pilots have chased unidentified aircraft in their Jets; and footage of UFOs taken by his film crew was confiscated by the government, all part of the U.S. military's long-time UFO cover-up.

Buckle yourself in and prepare for a wild ride; Leap of Faith takes you places you have never been before---and with Cooper's firm hand at the controls. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Earth to Gordo ... Earth to Gordo ... please come home
Gordon Cooper's accounts of the early Mercury program days are a good read. Cooper covers material that will largely be familiar to readers of other space program books, but adds his own unique perspective and insight. For this reason alone, the book is worth a read.

Cooper speaks frankly to the now-famous story that he encountered a UFO during his flight of Faith 7; it never happened, he says. But there are other things he's seen as a pilot that he can't explain -- things that he describes as being not-of-this-world.

From there, the author loses credibility quickly when he begins to talk about his attempts to unravel the UFO mystery with his clairvoyant sidekick. The reader is left with the impression that not all of Gordo made it back from orbit.

Still, the book is worth a read, and the history (or Cooper's version of it) is an important piece of the story of man's race to the moon.

One too many trips around the Earth
The first part of this book is interesting. The whole Mercury program, the behind the scenes politicing, the trips into space. And then the book gets weird. It is always interesting when public figures give UFO accounts but it would have been nice to have some backup documentation rather than vague acusations about area-51 and the government hiding things. This government doesn't seem to be able to hide two people making out in an office nevermind capturing space aliens, transporting their ship somewhere, figuring out how it works etc etc. If two people can't keep a secret can the 100's that would have had to be involved in such a coverup keep a secret? Come on folks, this guy appears to have had one too many trips around the planet.

Anyway its light summer reading and like I said, the first part of the book is fine.

Two books in one
Gordon Cooper's book is actually two books in one--one very good, and one very bad. The first is an exciting document about his life as an astronaut. The second, apparently written mostly by contributor Bruce Henderson, concerns his experience with extraterrestrial aliens and the hunt for new energy sources.

In the first book, Cooper recounts his 22-orbit flight aboard his Mercury capsule, Faith 7. It was fascinating reading as he described how, near the end of his flight, the capsule malfunctioned, and the only things left working were his radio and the manual controls. That he made it back to earth safely is a testament to the fighter-pilot can-do nature. Cooper also reveals the internal politics that went on in choosing the flight crews, including why he never got to go to the moon.

This all makes for great reading. Cooper also discusses his belief in UFOs, and tells of his own sightings and top-secret UFO photos, and describes scientifically why a saucer is the ideal shape for an advanced style of aircraft. It's all believable, compelling and wonderful.

But then Cooper begins his post-NASA life, and meets a mysterious woman named Valerie Ransone. This is where the book begins to fall apart. Ransone claims to have telepathic contact with extraterrestrial aliens, and Cooper believes her. She is able to bend spoons, a lá Uri Geller, which Cooper witnesses. She wants to form a partnership with Cooper to develop new sources of infinite energy, aided by their alien friends. In the end, the company fails, and Ransone fades from Cooper's life.

I have to admit, as far fetched as this sounds, I found myself giving Cooper the benefit of the doubt. I respect the opinions of a man with advanced degrees in science, as well as space experience. After all, it is the scientist's job to ask "Why?" in an objective manner.

But this is why the second half of the book fails miserably. We never hear Cooper ask "Why?" He claims that Ransone's spoon bending was not a parlor trick, but how can he be so sure? Uri Geller was revealed as a fraud. If I were a scientist and had people bending spoons in front of me, I would have immediately marched them into a scientifically controlled experiment. But Cooper did no such thing.

At one point, Ransone invites Cooper to go on a genuine flying saucer ride with her alien friends. But at the last minute, the trip is cancelled. BUT OF COURSE. This is always the way these meet-the-aliens stories happen. A big build-up, and then nothing.

The main reason this part of the book is so bad is the narrative voice. Bruce Henderson writes it as if it were a work of fiction, as a melodramatic narrative of Gordo and Valerie's struggles together. And though the objective of their business, Advanced Technology Group, sounds impressive, we never get more than a gloss concerning what they actually did. In the end, Ransone comes off sounding like a nut. And Cooper sounds like he was used.

A number of reviewers have mentioned Leap of Faith's scientific inaccuracies and incorrect facts. The most glaring for me was the mention of the "Saturn VIII," an eight-engine rocket described as the "most powerful rocket ever built by man." But no rocket ever existed. The most powerful rocket ever built was the Saturn V, which had five engines in its first stage. A "Saturn VIII" was never even conceived of or designed, much less built. It's hard to imagine how such an error could have made it into a book written by an astronaut.

I've been trying to understand Gordo's title. It seems to me that this is what Cooper took in writing this book, knowing that his accounts of UFOs and ETs would probably be scoffed at by much of the scientific community. Trouble is, much of his argument is objective and convincing. But the book loses its edge when it stops describing science, and delves into the unexplained without trying to explain it, while reading like a dime-store novel. I'd like to see a sequel in which we hear more from Cooper the scientist, and not some ghostwriter.

Flawed crossbreed of astronaut biography and conspiracy yarn
Colonel Gordon Cooper is one of the Mercury Seven, the first group of American astronauts. A test pilot from Edwards Air Force base, he flew the last and longest of the pioneering Mercury missions, dubbed Faith 7, and later went into space a second time aboard Gemini 5. A maverick at heart, Cooper fell out of favour with some of the NASA higher-ups and left the agency after being denied command of a lunar landing mission.

His autobiography, Leap of Faith, is a surprising and somewhat schizoid read, mixing Cooper's space program experience with increasingly dubious episodes on UFO sightings and telepathy. The overall structure has a stitched-together feel to it, and the last third with Gordo charging off into the world of the paranormal seems to belong to another book entirely. The writing style throughout is average journalist fare - bland vocabulary, repeated words in one sentence -, but not too bad overall.

Cooper's account of the space program offers no startling insights or deep emotional truths; his added personal perspective is interesting enough, though; the actual narrations of the Faith 7 flight, photographing the Himalayas, manual re-entry and all, and the 8-day Gemini mission with Pete Conrad are quite captivating. There is very little in the way of technical detail, some nice stories about training and promotional voyages, the usual photographs, and that's it. All in all, Leap of Faith remains a superficial effort. Gordo's childhood and background, his career before NASA and his family life receive preciously little attention, serving mostly to produce anecdotes or, in the case of his Air Force years, UFO speculations. Disappointing, the more so in light of the following chapters.

When he's denied the chance to command an Apollo mission, Cooper leaves NASA in 1970. Some accounts claim that he was slacking off, that he carried his maverick attitude into training, while others say it was a political decision by astronaut chief Deke Slayton, who wanted to get his friend Al Shepard a flight (Leap of Faith, naturally, supports the latter point of view). It's interesting, in this regard, to compare Slayton's superb and carefully researched autobiography with Cooper's effort.

After retirement, Gordo embarks on a surreal journey of X-fileish proportions, minus the humour: after some time flight testing "saucers" build by a Salt Lake City businessman and UFO believer, he is contacted by a young woman who claims to have telepathic contact with an extraterrestrial intelligence. Naturally, she describes these aliens - the "Universal Intelligence Consortium" - in such unimaginative and naively anthropocentric terms that it merits pity. But Gordo, being attracted to her and all, obviously reasons differently. And so the two spend their time together reconstructing obscure Tesla inventions, until she tells Cooper that he's been selected to take a spin aboard a real alien spaceship. Alas, the mission is scrubbed at the last minute, seemingly due to political struggles between various extraterrestrial factions. Too bad.

At least Gordo is portrayed with a last holdout of scepticism throughout these strange proceedings, and undecided in the end. Ultimately, Leap of Faith merely repeats some of the popular conspiracy theories - Area 51 is there, too -, content to raise supposedly unanswered questions. Still, the example it gives of uncritical thinking and silly (often self-contradictory) logic is troubling. The epilogue, with Cooper talking about the present-day space program and a farewell to his buddy, the late Pete Conrad, comes as quite a relief.

The more so since the book is riddled with a myriad of inaccuracies. To name but two of the most obvious examples, the Saturn V rocket's first stage has five engines, not eight. And Russian Cosmonaut Pavel Belyayev, who went into space but once aboard Voskhod 2, was hardly "a veteran of two spaceflights" when Cooper met him in 1965. As aviation books go, it doesn't get any sloppier than this. Regarding the UFO mutterings, they are rendered even more outlandish - if it were needed - alongside capital mistakes like these.

Natural, perhaps, considering the lesser "conspiracy" fare on the market, although one must feel disappointed to find such yarn in a book carrying the name of Gordon Cooper. The benefit of doubt, mercifully, suggests that a certain Mr. Henderson did the actual writing, but the fact that Gordo obviously didn't bother much with proof-reading is distinctly unimpressive just as well. Especially when working with an author who is truly at odds with looking up basic technical and biographical data. Maverick or not, if you do an autobiography, you might as well do it right.

Still, the okay passages on the space program, with Gordo's refreshing "strap-it-on-and-go" attitude shining through, prevent Leap of Faith from becoming a total disaster. When read like an adventure novel - "The Right Stuff" meets "X-Files" -, the book has some good moments, and the "owns all"-space buff will merrily add it to his collection despite the flaws (he knows where else to find the accurate data, anyway). A less specialised (or less nutty) reader, though, will find the Cooper / Henderson cooperation quite unsatisfying.

A Hero's Significant Life written with Integrity
Just finished reading Gordon Cooper's "Leap of Faith" which I finished in two "sittings"... As a woman who remembers back in the 50's and 60's being in a man's world, I found this book (even with a lot of technology in it) remarkably understandable, interesting, exciting, and profound. Cooper's "straight-arrow" approach to his love of his calling in life, along with open-mindedness and vision, captured my imagination and came as close to feeling "I know this person" more than in most non-fiction books. His story was mixed with human interest, military protocol, politics, courage, intelligence, along with love and respect for his teammates, as well as frustration with self-serving brass, kept my interest in high gear all the way. I learned behind the scenes information, some historical, that was not dipicted in the movie, "The Right Stuff". Towards the end, some of his adventures seemed somewhat surreal, but because of who this person is, I found myself weighing what was and what was not and came to the conclusion it was told with veracity, if not somewhat disappointing. Disappointed not of his writing, but the end result of one of the projects he was involved in and the failure of it due to lack of support from our military and private sector. I don't think anyone reading this book will come away disappointed. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

In 1961, just as NASA launched its first man into space, a group of women underwent secret testing in the hopes of becoming America’s first female astronauts. They passed the same battery of tests at the legendary Lovelace Foundation as did the Mercury 7 astronauts, but they were summarily dismissed by the boys’ club at NASA and on Capitol Hill. The USSR sent its first woman into space in 1963; the United States did not follow suit for another twenty years.

For the first time, Martha Ackmann tells the story of the dramatic events surrounding these thirteen remarkable women, all crackerjack pilots and patriots who sometimes sacrificed jobs and marriages for a chance to participate in America’s space race against the Soviet Union. In addition to talking extensively to these women, Ackmann interviewed Chuck Yeager, John Glenn, Scott Carpenter, and others at NASA and in the White House with firsthand knowledge of the program, and includes here never-before-seen photographs of the Mercury 13 passing their Lovelace tests.

Despite the crushing disappointment of watching their dreams being derailed, the Mercury 13 went on to extraordinary achievement in their lives: Jerrie Cobb, who began flying when she was so small she had to sit on pillows to see out of the cockpit, dedicated her life to flying solo missions to the Amazon rain forest; Wally Funk, who talked her way into the Lovelace trials, went on to become one of the first female FAA investigators; Janey Hart, mother of eight and, at age forty, the oldest astronaut candidate, had the political savvy to steer the women through congressional hearings and later helped found the National Organization for Women.

A provocative tribute to these extraordinary women, The Mercury 13 is an unforgettable story of determination, resilience, and inextinguishable hope. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

The Mercury 13 by Martha Ackmann
This book depicts the lives of women astronauts during a
period of American history when the space program had a
plurality of men. The period is the 50s and early 60s
when the contest between the USA and the Soviet Union heated
up in space. The book describes the successful launch of
Freedom 7 in 1961 despite some early problems. There are
many pictures of the astronauts depicting achievements during
the various milestones of the space program. Ultimately,
the Committee on Science and Astronauts concluded that the
advantages of having women astronauts merited a formal
program of research and study. This was a government action
long sought by women in the pursuit of careers as astronauts.
The book includes details of the experiences of Janey Hart-
an early astronaut and participant founder of NOW.
A report on this book would make a fine student project
for budding scientists.

All systems go!
Here's a book that has potential to fuel a few debates. Written by Martha Ackmann, a professor of Women's Studies at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, the topic hits an unexpected intersection of interests: Early days of manned space flight at NASA, and women's rights.

Most readers won't have heard of The Mercury 13, an unofficial group of stalwart women airplane pilots, all tested for potential to become astronauts by the private Lovelace Foundation at the dawn of the space race. While national focus lasered on Alan Shepherd, John Glenn, and the rest of the famous and flamboyant Mercury 7 astronauts who flew the first orbital missions, Jerrie Cobb and her compatriot lady flyers quietly matched, and sometimes surpassed, the test results of the male heros. Accomplished flyers, and businesswomen, the individuals of this group held many aeronautical records and won many air derbys. Some were graduates of the WAC programs of the Second World War, spearheaded by Jackie Cochran. Ackmann paints vivid portraits of each potential astronaut-candidate, and one can easily like these devoted flyers. (Interestingly, the author focuses heavily on the self-destructive political infighting between Cochran and Cobb for leadership of the women-in-space program.)

It's fascinating to "uncover" this group some forty years later. Who knew? Beyond a few publicity shots that appeared in Life magazine and in hometown papers, the women were hidden, unsanctioned as an official group of any kind, almost a curiosity. Yet, many points raised by Professor Ackmann are provocative: Women weighed less than male counterparts - and would require less rocket fuel; and why was there a requirement of jet-flying experience for astronauts when many animals (female, no less!) were sent aloft in the space capsules.

So where's the argument? Clearly, Ackmann launches this retrospective on the women-in-space efforts with the intention of demonstrating blatant sexism and its negative effects. Viewed through the lens of post-feminism, one clearly sees malfeasance - from President Johnson who nixes any further testing, to a Neanderthal congressman who jokes about the need for women in space for reproductive purposes to colonize planets. Yet, a young and innocent John Glenn just can't see beyond what he and America know as the social norms of the times. In 1963, the nation was a decade away from any kind of equal opportunity awareness, and perhaps two decades away from the emergence of political correctness. Were the male leaders of the space program worried about protecting an existing social order, or just worried about beating the Russians to the moon? Therein, the debate. (Enjoy it - far better for you to argue this with your spouse than waste another hour on Reality TV.)

We've come a long way, baby....thank heavens!
"The Mercury 13" is an amazing story of how [discrimination] in the early years of the American space program shut women out. We should be ashamed that the Soviet Union had a woman in space decades before Sally Ride finally broke the gender barrier in the U.S. Martha Ackmann is to be congratulated for bringing the stories of these incredible and patriotic women to light.

Women on to the moon
Research, research, research...

Ms. Ackmann has really done her homework on all the players involved in the Mercury 13 or FLAT (First Lady Astronaut Trainee) program. She did extensive personal interviewing with the surviving women of the program, and it shows.

Her writing gets you "into" the story and you won't want to put it down.
A classic example of truth being stranger than fiction. Now that we have the luxury of time to look back on these events, besides blaming the social conditions of the times, possibly this book can now serve as a benchmark of lessons learned and hopefully not to be repeated.

Highly recommend for every parent of girls and boys. Read it to your kids, and help them understand what happened.

Check this book out, now.

As an archive Librarian I have a great appreciation for the work that went into this book. It is a GREAT READ! And you won't be disappointed.

Remember....all others came after this one.

Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this book or are thinking or reading it...
Read Stephanie Nolen's "Promised the Moon: The Untold Story of the First Women in the Space Race" instead.
Nolen does an amazing job of contexualizing why these women were selected and why they ultimately remained grounded. If you must choose between Mercury 13 and Promisted the Moon I would go with the second book. Better researched and very well written. Highly recommend. ... Read more

Book Description

The pioneers of flight left a legacy of inventions that changed the world. Unknown to most people, many also left compelling written accounts of their ideas, scientific discoveries, and attempts--both successful and disastrous--to take to the air. Phil Scott presents the first major anthology of these writings. His selections show how humans from Ovid to the Wright brothers and beyond dreamed about flying and puzzled over the principles of physics and aerodynamics that kept birds aloft and men grounded. Their eloquent and incisive writings form a record of scientific curiosity and individual tenacity that will fascinate aviation enthusiasts, historians of technology, and anyone interested in the drama of early flight.

Scott begins with Ovid's story of Icarus, who met his legendary fate by flying too close to the sun and melting the wax that held his wings together. He presents accounts of crude medieval experiments and the beginnings of a scientific approach to flight in Renaissance and early modern Italy. He includes a letter from the Marquis d'Arlandes about being aboard the Montgolfiers' famous balloon for the first ever manned flight. The book's main focus, however, is the development of airplanes in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Scott presents scientific notes, letters, patent applications, fund-raising proposals, newspaper reports, journal articles, and personal stories by or about such central figures as Sir George Cayley, John Stringfellow, Otto Lilienthal, Clement Ader, Octave Chanute, Louis Blériot, Glenn Curtiss, and, in particular, the Wright brothers. We read about the insights that led to propellers and to the shape of the modern wing, the frustrations and dangers of attempting flight, the Wrights' revolutionary technological innovations and their brilliant successes at Kitty Hawk, technical and commercial disputes, and the experiences of early women aviators and the adventurers who made the first long-distance flights.

Scott includes an extensive introduction that puts the selections in the context of aeronautical history. The Pioneers of Flight is a remarkable resource for anyone who wishes to understand how humans struggled and eventually learned to fly. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent Book to start Aerodynamics
I strongly recommend this book for those who are studying their first courses in aerodynamics. It is indeed clear, easy to understand, and, above all, very illustrated. In point of fact, I have liked aerodynamics because of this book. I used this book in my first course in aerodynamics instead of the required book given by my university (K.F.U.P.M), which was " Fundamentals of Aerodynamics written by John D. Anderson, because it avoids the complexity of derivations of equations, which might be the nightmare for some aerodynamics students particularly the beginners. Over and above this, I have been very willing and interested in reading the text because the authors have avoided tautology. Furthermore, I have digested a lots of concepts because of its very clear figures which have made a great impression on me, you know, one picture worth a 1000 words as the saying goes.

As far as the examples given in each chapter are concerned, I believe that the authors should have added extra examples in order to see the applications of the important theories and their equations. Anyhow, some of the provided examples did come in my major exams.

Like other aerodynamics books I have seen, this book does not provide the students with the solution of the problems given at the end of each chapter. I found that some of the theoretical questions given at the end of each chapter were among the questions my instructor used to give us in his quizzes, major, and final exams. The other thing I don not like about this book, similar to other aerodynamics books, is that it does not have a glossary. Thus, Students will have to read the text to find the definitions of the new terms. However, the definitions given are easy to memorize and comprehend as well.

For those who are interested in full derivations of equations, I believe that this book will not be very helpful to them. They should buy " Fundamentals of Aerodynamics written by John D. Anderson" immediately.

I believe very strongly that using both of the books I mentioned above will enable the student to pass his/her course with flying colors. I am sure as eggs are eggs that they will come in handy in quizzes, majors, final exams, plus term projects. I used both of them and I got "B". Believe you me, you will make it God willing, as I did. ... Read more

Book Description

Featuring new and classic kitplane designs, this bestseller shows you how to chooise, build, and fly a homebuilt plane. Kitplanes magazine calls this book "required reading for anyone thinking about building an airplane." ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Excellent introductory book
The book helped me most in the following areas:

1) What is involved in kitplane construction - risks and benifits, even the benifits of purchasing a used certified aeroplane.
2) Showed me how to think in terms of aviation building with safety as a priority.
3) Covers info from the kit purchase stage to the test flight.
4) Emphasized that it is helpful to understand all forms of construction (metal, wood) no matter what kind of aeroplane you are building. The book covers composite, metal, metal monocoque, wood construction.

This is a must buy for people who are wondering what it takes to build a kitplane and are undecided about whether they should build one.

A must read book for anyone considering a Kit Homebuilt
This book is not biased in stating everyone can build a homebuilt. Infact early on Ron makes it clear that homebuilding is not for everyone. He takes you through the different construction materials as well as things that you don't think about. The case studies are what realy makes this book standout. These are planes being built by people with the same amount of aircraft construction as any person contemplating building.

A comprehensive and objective look at kitplanes
I like this book. The author made me think of the pros and cons of building a kitplane versus buying a certified model. It almost seems like he tries to talk you out of it at first. This makes you think if you have the space, time, skills, and dedication to build your own safe airplane. I definitely recommend it to anyone thinking about homebuilding. After that, the author dives into all of the various construction methods and gives quite a bit of detail on each. I was surprised. He even includes case studies of each type of construction (ie composite, metal, wood, etc) on a particular builder and their project. READ IT!

First Class information for any intending homebuilder.
I have been reading this book for some time now. Mr Wanttaja has written this book in such a manner that it provides comprehensive information for all intending aircraft builders or homebuilders who have already begun their projects, on all aspects of homebuilding. From organising finances, to choosing the right kit and components to what sort of hardware to use for different applications. Furthermore, he presents his information in laymans terms so that even the most inexperienced of us who would like to get involved in homebuilding get a reasonable understanding of those operations which must be performed. I would recommend this book to anybody considering building an aircraft.

If your thinking of building a Kitplane, you NEED this book
This is an easy to read book about the pitfalls, traps, concerns and absolute joys of building and flying your own Kitplane. Not a comprehensive text, but it is an *Excellent* place to start! I bought a copy! ... Read more

Book Description

This informative account of the design of instruments used in rockets and spacecraft begins by introducing the basic principles of designing for the space environment. Following chapters discuss mechanical, structural, thermal and electronic design, including the problems that are frequently encountered in the testing and verification of spacecraft subsystems. The authors carefully describe important aspects of design, including stress analysis, multilayer insulation, two-dimensional sensor systems, mechanisms, the structure of space optics, and project management and control. A final chapter looks toward future developments of space instrument design and addresses issues arising from financial constraints. The book contains lists of symbols, acronyms and units and a comprehensive reference list. Worked examples, found throughout the text, make it valuable to final year undergraduate and beginning graduate students of physics, space science, space-craft engineering and astronautics. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

It must work!
Building an instrument that will go into space is a very specialised discipline that is well described by this book. Typically, you face requirements, the combination of which is quite unlike anything on Earth. The instrument must usually be able to withstand low temperatures, on the Kelvin scale, as well as survive direct unfiltered sunlight. If parts of the instrument cannot tolerate this, then you might design suitable shielding.

Also, will the instrument be orbiting Earth or will it go further out into space? If the former, then will it be inside the van Allen belts, or above? This dictates the amount of radiation shielding needed to prevent latchup in the electronics. Whereas, if the instrument is part of a spacecraft that will go into space, but not around a planet with a magnetosphere, then less shielding might be needed.

Oh, the instrument needs to survive the launch, of course. Depending on whether it is launched from a rocket or from the bays of a space shuttle, the mechanical requirements for this can vary.

The book goes into the above issues in detail; and many more. The overriding consideration is that repairs are usually impossible or prohibitively expensive and rare. Vital reading for anyone in the field. ... Read more

Book Description

How NASA Learned To Fly in space is about a time when the agency was young and lean, and had an explicit mandate of staggering audacity set against a tight deadline. A time when the agency readily accepted risk, and made momentous decisions 'on the run'.A time when a rendezvous was a major objective of a mission, when simply opening the hatch and venturing outside was a serious challenge.Apollo claimed the glory, but it was Gemini that 'stretched the envelope' of spaceflight to make going to the Moon feasible.As Dr Robert Gilruth, director of the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, observed: "In order to go to the Moon, we had to learn how to operate in space. We had to learn how to manoeuvre with precision to rendezvous and to dock; to work outside in the hard vacuum of space; to endure long-duration in the weightless environment; and to learn how to make precise landings from orbital flight - that is where the Gemini Program came in." ... Read more

Amazon.com

We're living in a sci-fi world, but we hardly seem to notice it. Recounting the history of our most successful space program, the editors of Air & Space and Smithsonian magazines reawaken the reader's attention to the fantastic in Space Shuttle: The First 20 Years. Featuring hundreds of beautiful, enlightening, and sometimes funny photographs (many never before published), the book has compelling visual appeal for all ages. Uniquely focused on the personal experiences of the astronauts who lived and worked aboard shuttles and space stations, the text is largely made up of interviews and written reminiscences of these often-inspiring adventurers. The subjects roam from the mundane (What did Mir smell like?) to the reverent (What's it like to see the effects of war from space?). The two main parts of the book are each arranged chronologically: first following the missions from 1981 onward, then looking closely at the experience of space travelers, from training through launch and recovery. To the editor's credit, they don't shy away from retelling the story of the Shuttle program's most defining moment--the 1986 Challenger disaster. Though it's every bit as chilling to read about many years later, the context of later dedication to safety and noncommercial uses heightens the value of the sacrifice. A glossary, detailed mission list, and thorough illustrated guide to shuttle operations round out the book, making it a valuable reference and an important reminder that our species has achieved something heroic. --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (18)

A Long Overdue Book - Spectacular!!!
It seems hard to believe that the first space shuttle launch happened almost 22 years ago. During that time, hundreds of astronauts and cosmonauts both men and women, from many different countries have flown in space onboard this marvel of engineering. This book recounts the adventures of those who have flown onboard the space shuttle, using high quality, color photographs and a small amount of accompanying text (a few paragraphs to a few pages) provided by the astronauts and as the title states, in their own words. I've always felt that a large format, coffee table style book dedicated to the space shuttle program was long overdue.

This book is divided into two distinct parts: A chronology of the first twenty years of missions and then a section that examines an entire space shuttle mission from training to launch and then to landing. These two sections are loaded with many different stories such as the wonder of being in space and viewing our home planet, preparing and eating meals in space, a humorous story of the operation of the space toilet, the use of Mir, the construction of the International Space Station and of course the terrible times associated with the Challenger explosion. It is nice to see that through all the triumphs and trails of space exploration, these people who many hold up as modern day heroes, are just as human as the rest of us, and are filled with awe of this great adventure into the unknown.

The book also contains an Appendix that provides an excellent summary of all the missions that occurred during the first twenty years of shuttle operations. In addition, there is also a nice overview section, which briefly examines shuttle systems, astronauts training and shuttle operations.

One final thought, since the book celebrates the first twenty years of space shuttle flights, there is not any information related to the loss of the Columbia. Maybe the authors of this book will be able to produce an equally excellent book as a tribute to the Columbia. Here's hoping.

"We go into space because of the human spirit"--Loren Acton
Most books I've read on the Space Shuttle are political in nature. Many also focus on the problems with the shuttle system: the tragedies of Challenger and Columbia and the mishaps of Mir and Hubble. This book, however, considers the firsthand accounts of the men and women who flew, lived, and worked in space since the first shuttle launch in 1981. Scores of astronauts and payload and mission specialists participated in this project (no Russian cosmonauts, however, were contacted for this book) and provided reminiscences on everything from training, what it is like during launch, experiences in zero gravity, space sickness, watching earth from 165 miles up, space walking, experiments conducted, horseplay on the shuttle, coming home, etc. Each personal story is about a page in length (some even shorter) and are surrounded by tons of full color photographs. This book was published before the Columbia tragedy and two astronauts who perished on that mission (Rick Husband and Kalpana Chawla) provide stories.

Some of my favorite stories: Jack Lousma's frank account on how he never knew when to safely use ejector seats (pg. 24); Sultan Bin Salman Al-Saud on returning to Saudi Arabia "I could not believe that our people had that kind of excitement in them" (pg. 45); Rhea Seddon on the Pepsi/Coke experiments (Pepsi's space can was just a shaving cream container with a label slapped on while Coke spent loads on their special can); Bob Cenker on how NASA never kept the life threatening danger from "teacher in Space" Christa McAuliffe before the doomed Challenger flight (pg. 57); Congressman Bill Nelson on his close call; Hoot Gibson on a top secret mission from which he received a medal "he could only wear in a safe" (pg. 66); John Blaha and Jerry Linenger on life aboard Mir (pp. 90-1); and a photo caption on how the shuttle circles the earth every 90 minutes so it experiences "sunrise" in that amount of time (pg. 244). Of course, there a lot more interesting stories.

I'm not sure if it would have been possible, but I'd enjoy the book more if it included photos of the storytellers next to their reminiscences. Most of the time, the photos (albeit related to the topic described) are of other people. When I read the stories I sometimes got a mental picture of the person(s) in the photos only to realize they were not the same person. That's just a minor criticism. Anyone interested in astronaut life will enjoy this book. The stories are not very technical and are usually about fun or awe inspiring moments. Although, it is definitely a pro-space program book, there is nothing political or controversial here. It also includes a list of each mission with the passengers and experiments conducted, and simplified looks at the shuttle and its launch pattern, Mir, and the International Space Station.

The Best Book ever!
I made a good choice by selecting this book. This is the best space book i have ever read. If you are interested in space shuttles and astronaut stuff, then look no further, cuz this is the one u are looking for. The book is well organized and the astronauts experiences are really thrilling and emotional. It will make one really feel how its like to be an astronaut.

beautiful, just beautiful
i wont have a bad word said about it. some of the photos in this book are really inspiring.
if it wasn't for the love i have for it i would say that it should be thrown with considerable force at anybody who is, after two decades of such ground breaking work, still in doubt about the worth of the shuttle.
just a word or two on the title - '...the first 20 years'. theres a review just down a bit which suggests that it should be the '..most recent 20 yrs' as the book is all about the two decades between 1981 and 2001. i would like to offer that the shuttle programme is only 23yrs old so the 'first' 20yrs IS the 'most recent' 20yrs.
also, i am delighted to read that someone else gets confused when a story told turns out NOT to be related to the picture beside. don't get me wrong, i think it was a good decision to match up the stories with photos which are in some way relevant but i think that its actually done so seamlessly that i tend to think that they are two of the same and end up disappointed and slightly confused when i realise that they aren't.
before i read this book (and reading the expressions on the faces of the astronauts is definately included), an astronaut was no more than the holder of the most amazing profession there is. now they're all people, who have fought so hard and so long to earn a place at the forefront of humanity. i'm so glad that someone finally decided to tell their story.
really very impressed and somewhat bewitched.

Rocketeers
finally, the eighth wonder of the world, the Space Shuttle.

the Space Shuttle is more than a space ship, it's a rocket, an aircraft, a cargo carrier and laboratory all in one. supposedly the Space Shuttle never achieved it's envisioned targets of being a reusable space craft, with a fast turnaround time to the next launch and carrying regular commercial payloads into space. but on reading/looking through this book, you'll see a whole lot more. some of the best photographs ever taken by NASA and it's astronauts fill the pages of this book. actual accounts by the "Rocketeers" themselves who experienced this magical trip into earth orbit.

fly the Space Shuttle and visit earth orbit - time and time again! ... Read more

Book Description

Provides a comprehensive introduction to infrared-transparent materials for windows and domes that must withstand harsh environmental conditions, such as high-speed flight or high-temperature process monitoring. Each section contains introductory material that makes the book readable by anyone with a background in science or engineering. ... Read more

Book Description

Here is preparation material for the Air Traffic Control (ATC) test, including questions, answers, explanations, application procedures, employment and training information, and test-taking strategies. ... Read more

Book Description

Chemically propelled rockets can lift less than 5 percent of their take-off weight into orbit, a fact that could forever limit the space program. Nuclear-powered rockets, however, with their superior thrusting power and speed, are radically different. So argues James A. Dewar in the only comprehensive history ever written of the nuclear rocket project. It is a story of political battles over the space program's future, involving Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon, and a readable account of its technical successes, a story perhaps more interesting and certainly more important, Dewar believes, than the history of atomic and H-bomb development. Dewar maintains that only by reestablishing a nuclear rocket project can the nation have a space program worthy of the 21st century, one that makes reality of the hopes and dreams of science fiction. ... Read more

Book Description

Aircraft Powerplants, Seventh Edition, part of the Glencoe Aviation Technology Series (formerly the Northrop Series), is the most comprehensive up-to-date powerplant book on the market today. It has been revised to reflect the latest changes in FAR Part 147 and changing industry needs.

The new edition features expanded coverage of turbine engine theory and nomenclature. It also includes additional current models of turbofan, turboprop, and turboshaft engines. Information on turbine engine fuel, oil, ignition systems has been expanded and divided into separate chapters. And the remainder of the turbine engine material is updated and presented apart from reciprocating engines, allowing for the flexibility of teaching this materials separately or together.

New material added to the propeller section deals with composite propellers, dynamic propeller blancing, and auxiliary propeller systems such as auto-feather, de-synchro-phasing, and de-ice. The updated and reorganized material on aircraft systems includes the latest information on control, indicating, and warning systems. Throughout the text, special emphasis has been laced on the integration of information regarding how individual components and systems operate together.

This edition includes a new Student Study Guide that parallels the text. It provides fill-in-the-blank questions to identify key terms, demonstrates applications of mathematical relationships, and validates learning progress by offering multiple choice questions. The new Instructor's Manual provides answers to the review questions and transparency masters to help you illustrate key concepts. ... Read more

Book Description

This text provides an introduction to the fundamentals of gas turbine engines and jet propulsion for aerospace or mechanical engineers. The book contains sufficient material for two sequential courses i propulsion (advanced fluid dynamics) an introductory course in jet propulsion and a gas turbine engine components course. The text is divided into four parts introduction to aircraft propulsion; basic concepts and one-dimensional/gas dynamics; analysis and performance of air breathing propulsion systems; and analysis and design of gas turbine engine components. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Best Textbook on Engine Performance
This is the best textbook written on the modeling and performance prediction of gas turbine engines. A systematic method is used to model a variety of engines from the basic turbojet to the advanced afterburning turbofan used in modern fighters. Performance predictions include the effect of engine controls - a unique feature. Turbomachinery design includes structural considerations. This book is a great textbook for junior/senior level courses in aerospace/mechanical engineering. It is being used for a basic course in gas turbine engine and a followup course in engine component design...

A Very Good Book With Lots of Useful Information
I bought the book "Elements of Gas Turbine Propulsion" in August of 1999 and I still read it almost everyday. It is a very interesting book, but it has a serious flaw in that there are so many errors, it appears that the editor(s) were asleep or out to lunch. It was a great disservice to the author, as I think he was shortchanged by the publisher. Being a former member of the USAF, myself I feel that his work was more meticulous than this. Perhaps the publisher was in such a hurry to hit the presses at all costs, that this is the result. This seems to be the trend in recent years. I believe that one of the major networks did and expose regarding major publishing house oversights in this area.

Jim

a good book
A very good book that deserved more carefully work of the editors, because is full of excessive number of typographical errors.

Best college book on gas turbine engines
The 40 page foreword on the past, present, and future of gat turbine propulsion by Hans von Ohain (German inventor of Jet Engine) is worth the price. Excellent fundamentals with the best description of how engine performance changes with flight conditions and throttle setting in Chapter 8. Full of design information and examples - wirtten for both the student and professional. ..................... ... Read more

Book Description

This third edition of Space Mission Analysis and Design, known as `SMAD' to its many friends, carries on the tradition of the first two editions of providing a practical handbook for `Space Mission Engineering' -- the process of defining mission parameters and refining requirements to meet the often fuzzy objectives of a space mission at minimum cost and risk. We begin the process with a `blank sheet of paper' and carry the reader through a preliminary mission design covering all system aspects: orbit and constellation design, mission geometry, launch vehicle selection, and design of the spacecraft, payload, ground segment, and operations. The book is a comprehensive presentation of theory and practice, drawing on the insight and practical knowledge of leading experts from all segments of the aerospace community.SMAD III both updates the technology and provides a greater emphasis on the design of smaller spacecraft and the process of reducing cost. It has been expanded to include more detail of multi-satellite manufacturing and the design and selection of constellation parameters. The discussion of space computers has been expanded and revised. The unmanned spacecraft cost model has been updated and the new Small Satellite Cost Model has been added. The discussion of payload design has been extensively revised and expanded. Discussions of electric propulsion, autonomous systems, on-board navigation, and the use of commercial PCs and COTS software have been expanded in keeping with current trends in system design. The appendices and tables have been made even more extensive and useful.Because of its practical orientation, useful data and formulas, and process tables which summarize the design methodology of all major mission elements, SMAD has become the most widely used volume in astronautics. It is intended for both students and professionals in astronautics and space science. It is appropriate for engineers, scientists, and managers trying the obtain the best mission possible within a limited budget and for students working on advanced design projects or just beginning in space systems engineering. It is the indispensable traveling companion for seasoned veterans or those just beginning to explore the highways and by-ways of space mission engineering. Enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

THE book for practicing space systems engineers
What can I say about SMAD? It is THE book for the practicing space systems engineer. After several years in this industry my copy of SMAD is well-thumbed and constantly borrowed by colleagues. I refer to it regularly, and don't know how I could have survived without it. Every time I go back to this book I find some new nugget of information. Wertz and Larson have managed to condense a whole slew of useful information into one volume. The only problem with SMAD is that it takes a kind of "cookbook" approach, without many derivations. But that approach is necessitated by the breadth of material it covers, and is made up for by a wealth of references for more in-depth material. Highly recommended!

Good, but way too long
I use this book as a college text.

SMAD offers a wealth of good information, but it's far too wordy and prone to personal ruminations on the parts of the contributors. It could profitably be shortened by at least 200 pages.

In addition, Chapter 9 (on payloads) needs significant re-work, especially on the discussion of optical payloads. The chapter somehow manages to be both too detailed, and too top-level, for the reader to actually use it. Those who can fill in the technical gaps will not need SMAD, and those who cannot, cannot use SMAD. The proper approach would be to offer a qualitative assessment of how payloads affect satellite design. Leave the deep-down technical details for other texts.

Finally, there are sections which can only be described as advertisements for Wertz's company. The discussions of autonomous orbit determination and autonomous orbit control are vastly biased, and do not cover the full range of considerations that have to go into selecting an approach for either activity.

Excellent for mission design work
Wertz has continued his good works, this time branching out with Larson from vehicle design (his book Attitude Determination & Control is considered a bible for NASA as well as contractor ACS engineers) to mission-oriented design. The scope is larger with emphasis on many example missions, so necessarily the technical detail is not as rich; but for ACS systems, definitely get his first one.

THE definitive satellite design book
This book covers the large amount of information required to design and plan a space mission, and does it in a clear and succinct way.

Very cool space engineering book - a must have!
This book is intened for those with the equivalent of a BS. I found it very well formatted and a wealth of information. It is a very fun book to have for us space junkies with a technical background to make use of it. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

What a mistake
This book is deceptively titled. It gives no inklng of the density of the math involved. It should properly be titled "A rigorous mathematical treatment of the Aerodynamics ..." I doubt I could have followed this back when I was immersed in physics and engineering courses in college. I certainly bounced right off of it 15 years later. This book should not even be available outside of University Bookstores' Engineering sections. There is simply no point in anyone else buying it.

some comments on the book
The book is Copyright 1965. The fact that it is still in print says a lot about it. It must be a well-regarded standard text. The preface says that the book evolved from notes for a two-term course presented by the authors to grad students at the MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

The book contains chapters on Review of Fluid Mechanics, Constant Density Inviscid Flow, Singular Pertubation Problems, Effects of Viscosity, Thin Wing Theory, Slender Body Theory, 3D Wings in Steady Subsonic Flow, 3D Thin Wings in Steady Supersonic Flow, Supersonic Drag, Use of Flow Reversal Theorems, Interference and Nonplanar Lifting Surface Theories, Transonic Small Disturbance Flow, and Unsteady Flow.

The book looks to be a very complete and very mathematical treatment of subsonic and supersonic aerodynamics. Unfortunately, the math was well beyond what I remember from my long-ago calculus classes. It is probably a 4 to 5 star book for its target audience. ... Read more

Book Description

This book combines into one convenient source all of the information every pilot needs to increase his or her understanding of, and efficiency in using charts. This completely updated edition incorporates new airspace classifications, GPS, international procedures, and other important developments affecting chart use-making it the most comprehensive and timely reference for chart information available. The author draws upon his own extensive flight experience to provide seasoned insights, covering such topics as VFR and HFR charts, chart projections and limitations, visual chart terminology and symbols, and souces of aeronautical charts. ... Read more

Book Description

Written by many experts in the field, this book brings together, in one place, the state of the art of membrane and inflatable structures technology for space applications. With increased pressure to reduce costs associated with design, fabrication, and launch of space structures, there has been a resurgence of interest in membrane structures for extraterrestrial use. Applications for membrane and inflatable structures in space include lunar and planetary habitats, RF reflectors and waveguides, optical and IR imaging, solar concentrators for solar power and propulsion, sun shades, solar sails, and many others. The text begins with a broad overview and historical review of membrane and inflatable applications in space technology. It proceeds into theoretical discussion of mechanics and physics of membrane structures; chemical and processing issues related to membrane materials; developments in deployment; and ground testing. The book then proceeds into current applications and case studies. ... Read more