The Chronological Encyclopedia of Discoveries in Space: [Hardcover]

Robert Zimmerman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1573561967 | ISBN-13: 978-1573561969 | Publication Date: February 23, 2000 | Edition: 1st

Since the historic launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union in 1957, the world has been enthralled first by the race to the Moon and later by the exploration of space. Lost in the international competition, however, are the hundreds of other missions (commercial, military, and scientific explorations) that have taken place over the past four decades. This encyclopedia gives readers—for the first time—a complete picture of every space mission of every country that has taken place from Sputnik through 1999. In addition to providing a chronology of launches worldwide (over 1,000 in all), this encyclopedia includes hard-to-find information on the scientific objectives and results of these missions.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Zimmerman, an essayist and historian of space, has created an essential reference tool for "space junkies" and the libraries that serve them. The purpose is to provide information on the goals and outcomes of every one of humankind's space exploration endeavors since Sputnik. Not only is the book useful for quick fact checks but it invites readers to stay awhile. There are entries for every space mission that has been undertaken by every country on Earth--not just manned missions but the launches of probes, communications and navigation satellites, and commercial ventures as well. If humans launched it into space, you can read about it here. Entries are arranged chronologically, beginning with Sputnik in 1957 and ending with the December 21, 1999, launch of the commercial communications satellite Galaxy 11. Each entry, ranging from a few paragraphs to a page in length, contains information on crew members, purposes of the mission, research done on the mission, and significant discoveries resulting from the research. Photographs and other images related to specific missions illustrate the work. Cross-references allow the reader to find more information on related satellites or missions. One of the strengths of the encyclopedia is its indexing. In addition to a high-quality, cross-referenced general index, appendixes list entries by nation, by name of satellite or mission, and by research purpose (such as biological research and manned missions). This variety of access points allows quick discovery of answers to the space exploration-related questions encountered at the reference desk, both serious and lighthearted. What was the name of the first dog in space? Are Timothy Leary's remains really floating around in space? Which space missions yielded evidence relating to the global warming issue? (Answers: Laika.^B Yes, aboard the commercial capsule Celestis I. Among others, the ERS 2 satellite launched in 1995.) A glossary and bibliography complete the work. The Chronological Encyclopedia is the product of painstaking research and clearly conveys a sense of how far humans have progressed in their knowledge of space. It is appropriate for high-school age and older students and will prove to be a very useful reference tool for all public, school, and academic libraries as well as special libraries with a science and technology focus. RBB
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Review

". . . a valuable reference tool." -- Today's Librarian, June 2000

"An excellent source, worthwhile for all libraries." -- CHOICE, September 2000

"I started to leaf through the book last night and spent a couple of hours at it! Literally, once I picked it up I couldn't put it down. It certainly deserves the name of Encyclopedia. It is complete, accurate and vividly interesting." -- Ben Bova, Science Fiction writer

"If you want to know about every spacecraft ever launched and what each mission accomplished, this handy reference volume from a frequent ASTRONOMY contributor and the author of GENESIS: THE STORY OF APOLLO 8, Robert Zimmerman, is just for you." -- Astronomy Magazine, May 2000

"There is no comparable source to this volume for its comprehensiveness and conciseness. Every school library should get a copy." -- SB&F, Sept./Oct. 2000

"This is a very impressive reference work, and highly recommended for most libraries." -- E-Streams, Sept. 2000

"Useful to space buffs and generalists, comprehensive but readable, Bob Zimmerman's Encyclopedia belongs front and center on everyone's bookshelf." -- Mike Collins, Apollo 11 astronaut

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 432 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood; 1st edition (February 23, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573561967
• ISBN-13: 978-1573561969
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,265,256 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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