The human impulse is to explore, and now there is an unexplored territory open for the traveler. The arrival of a revolutionary, safe, and environmentally friendly flying machine called SpaceShipTwo makes suborbital space travel a reality. For the first time, passenger astronauts are able to pay for a ride into space on a commercial space flight. They will be able to experience weightlessness, witness the curvature of the Earth, and have a unique view of the Universe seen only by very few. The thrilling history of the race for space is described and the men and women who will make history on the inaugural missions are sought out. Detailing their arduous training, how their bodies will be affected in space, and the technological breakthroughs of SpaceShipTwo, Destination Space is the real Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
| |||||||||||||||
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
The founding business editor of the Sunday Herald, Kenny Kemp is the coauthor of Go: An Airline Adventure, which won the Business Book of the Year in the WH Smith Awards, and Flight of the Titans.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiration A+ Writing style C-,
By
This review is from: Destination Space: How Space Tourism Is Making Science Fiction a Reality (Paperback)
You couldn't ask for a more inspirational story about the new entrepreneurial space pioneers. Author Kenny Kemp has done a comprehensive job of researching these heroes and telling their stories. However, perhaps because I am from the US and Mr. Kemp is from Scotland, I had a difficult time with his writing style which seemed a bit rough. For someone interested in space exploration and development this is a worthwhile read. For American readers looking for a smooth, comfortable reading experience -- keep looking.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
If You Admire Burt Rutan....,
By
This review is from: Destination Space: How Space Tourism Is Making Science Fiction a Reality (Paperback)
... you will probably enjoy this book, written by a Scottish finance journalist, because it is essentially the background to development of the Virgin Galactic SS2 presently being built by Burt Rutan. By and large the book covers all of the essential elements of the story from the X15, to Dr Peter Diamandis' creation of the inspirational X Prize. As you probably know Burt Rutan was the first contestant to sign up for the X Prize and the eventual winner. The book is most interesting in the background details it provides of Sir Richard Branson's involvement and also the involvement of the extraordinary Paul G Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, blues afficianado and (like all the potential readers of this book) a space nut. Allen financed the development and construction of Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne, which will no doubt go down, in the centuries to come, as the most enlightened example of philanthropy in human history. It appears he owns, through his Vulcan Productions, the IP rights to SS1 and future ships built to this design. The book is full of interesting details about the Virgin Galactic people, but one little detail has been ommitted (that Will Whitehorn was once a member of the Scottish punk rock group "Johnny and the Self-Abusers" later to become the legendary "Simple Minds"). I would have given this immensely interesting book five stars but for one niggling annoyance. There are many minor inaccuracies such as referring to the Chairman of International Space Brokers as John Vinter and John Vintner. Plainly the book was written in a hurry because it refers to events that occurred only a few months ago, but overall it is of profound significance to anyone who, like me, is deeply interested in the progress Mr Rutan is making in the development of SS2 and in his visions of a safe, cost effective, orbital vehicle. All in all, I highly recommend this book.
John J Leonard CEO XAVIERAX
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Background Book,
By
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Destination Space: How Space Tourism Is Making Science Fiction a Reality (Paperback)
Destination Space is a good read for those seeking to understand the players in New Space. The book provides insights as to the places and charcaters that comproise the fledging commercial space launch industry. The book does tend to focus on Virgin Galatic, Burt Rutan and the ongoing construction of the dedicated commercial spaceport in New Mexico. I do recommend the book to anyone seeking greater understanding of how the NewSpace industry is evolving.
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
|
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
