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Burt Rutan's Race to Space: The Magician of Mojave and His Flying Innovations Hardcover – July 7, 2011
Years ago, Burt Rutan told a reporter for Popular Mechanics, “If we make a courageous decision like the goal and program we kicked off for Apollo in 1961, we will see our children or grandchildren in outposts on other planets.” Legendary science-fiction writer Arthur C. Clark would later recall Rutan’s quote in a piece he wrote about SpaceShipOne and comment, “Fortunately, we need not rely solely on governments for expanding humanity’s presence beyond the Earth.”
Burt Rutan’s Race to Space showcases Rutan’s herculean efforts to do just that. Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum displays his most celebrated achievements, including SpaceShipOne, which won the coveted $10 million Ansari X Prize for private spaceflight; Voyager, which hangs with SpaceShipOne in the Milestones of Flight gallery; the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer; and the VariEze. His many aerospace innovations preceding his most recently conceived designs, SpaceShipTwo and WhiteKnightTwo, chronicle a progressive, step-by-step attempt to break barriers with engineering know-how and a wondrous imagination, all the while remaining on the forefront of the burgeoning private spaceflight industry. Rutan’s X Prize triumph and subsequent spacecraft designs are not a beginning, nor an end, but are steps in Burt Rutan’s continuing adventure to expand humanity’s presence beyond the Earth and into space.
- Print length160 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherZenith Press
- Publication dateJuly 7, 2011
- Dimensions9.63 x 0.75 x 11.25 inches
- ISBN-109780760338155
- ISBN-13978-0760338155
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Normal0falsefalsefalseMicrosoftInternetExplorer4"Linehan gives Rutan the credit he is due as one of the architects of twenty-first century private space travel. As he did with his earlier book, SpaceShipOne: An Illustrated History, Linehan also shows himself to be an engaging writer who combines scientific know-how with behind-the-scenes reporting that makes Rutan’s Race read like an adventure story."
—Paul G. Allen, co-winner of the Ansari X Prize
"Dan has done a fabulous job of describing the incredible journey of one of the most accomplished aircraft designers of all time, Burt Rutan. If you weren’t impressed by Burt before now, you certainly will be after reading this absolutely fascinating story of the incredible journey of Burt Rutan—from a young model airplane champion to legendary aircraft designer among the ranks of Douglas, Heinemann, Lockheed, and Kelly Johnson. I personally read it from one end to the other and loved it. This is a book you will read from cover to cover without being able to put it down. What a fascinating story of the aircraft designer of our time, Burt Rutan. His accomplishments as an aircraft designer and builder revolutionized the way airplanes are made.Way to go Dan Linehan for creating a mesmerizing collection of stories!"
—Robert “Hoot” Gibson, Space Shuttle Commander
“Burt will always be remembered as a visionary aircraft designer, his unique configurations a testament to his genius. However, a more subtle but undoubtedly key part of his success is his ability to make his unique visions resonate in those around him. If Burt’s only contribution were ideas he couldn’t communicate, he’d have executed on a couple and vanished into the background. His true genius is his capability to excite others, to make them believe in the unimaginable and to lead them on an unapologetic search for the unique. This book is sure to bring the reader along on that quest by detailing the unique concepts and the amazing stories behind them.”
—Matt Stinemetze, Project Engineer SpaceShipOne, Project Manager SpaceShipTwo Program
“Dan Linehan has produced an amazing narrative clearly explaining the technical evolution of how Burt Rutan founded two small aerospace companies that eventually lead to the capture the 10 million dollar X-prize awarded to the first company to shoot a manned, privately-funded spacecraft into outerspace twice within two weeks. I know. I was the lead structural analyst for Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne and witness to SpaceShipOne's construction, operation, and ultimate success. And now, the next generation SpaceShipTwo is designed to take passengers like you and me there. If you long to someday visit space yourself, Burt Rutan’s Race to Space is a must read. It very accurately captures the early evolution of space travel that will someday be as common place as airline travel is today.”
—Dan Kreigh, Senior Structural Engineer, Scaled Composites, and Inventor of the IFO
UNIVERSE TODAY
"...provides a chronicle of all the air and spacecraft that have soared off of Rutan’s blueprints and into reality...this book is timely, enjoyable and acts as a wonderful window into the mind of the man that has revolutionized flight."
TRAVEL FOR AIRCRAFT
"This book is not only a superb reference regarding an incredible aeronautical engineer, as well as the story behind the winner of the Ansari X Prize, it is also describes the experiences and decisions of a business entrepreneur. I think that this last part is important since, like it or not, without money successful engineering designs languish latent — their potential unrealized. "
From the Inside Flap
When it comes to the sky, Burt knows no boundaries. He is always reaching beyond normal expectations. This book will help you understand what makes Burt tick. It answers the why and how behind many of his designs and innovations.
Tom Poberezny, Chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and EAA AirVenture (Oshkosh, Wisconsin) If you long to someday visit space yourself, this is a must-read. It very accurately captures the early evolution of space travel that will someday be as commonplace as airline travel is today. Dan Kreigh, Senior Structural Engineer, SpaceShipOne Years ago, Burt Rutan told a reporter for Popular Mechanics, If we make a courageous decision like the goal and program we kicked off for Apollo in 1961, we will see our children or grandchildren in outposts on other planets. Legendary science-fiction writer Arthur C. Clark would later recall Rutan s quote in a piece he wrote about SpaceShipOne and comment, Fortunately, we need not rely solely on governments for expanding humanity s presence beyond the Earth. Burt Rutan s Race to Space chronicles Rutan s herculean efforts to do just that. Smithsonian s Air and Space Museum displays his breathtaking innovations: SpaceShipOne (winner of the $10 million Ansari X Prize for private spaceflight), the Voyager, Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, and the VeriEze. His aerospace innovations preceding SpaceShipOne chronicle a progressive, step-by-step attempt to break barriers with engineering know-how and a wondrous imagination, all the while remaining on the forefront of the burgeoning private spaceflight industry. Rutan s X Prize triumph and subsequent spacecraft designs are not a beginning, nor an end, but are steps in Burt Rutan s continuing adventure to expand humanity s presence beyond the Earth and into space.From the Back Cover
Burt Rutan s Race to Space gives a wonderfully revealing glimpse into the mind of an aerospace genius. I got to know Burt well as he and his team competed for and ultimately won the $10 million Ansari X Prize with SpaceShipOne. Burt s innovative spirit and out-of-the-box thinking helped open the door to space travel for not just him but for all of us. Peter Diamandis,Chairman and CEO of the X Prize Foundation,Cofounder of Space Adventures, Ltd. We now stand on the brink of private space travel, thanks to the efforts of a maverick genius. Burt Rutan s Race to Space chronicles this amazing story, offering the most complete visual record of his most significant designs, world records, and elite honors. Included are dozens of pioneering air- and spacecraft that have successfully flown with the help of Burt s innovative fellow designers and courageous test pilots. This heavily illustrated history traces Rutan s evolution toward becoming one of the great aerospace designers of all time. It starts with Rutan s early career when he developed aircraft for the Rutan Aircraft Factory, a period marked by some of his greatest leaps in aerospace design; his founding of Scaled Composites, where many of his design breakthroughs are still kept under intense proprietary secrecy; his elegant SpaceShipOne design, a true engineering marvel; and SpaceShipTwo, the vehicle that would in many ways be the culmination of Rutan s childhood dream and life s work (to quote poet and aviator John Magee), to slip the surly bonds of earth and trod the high, untrespassed sanctity of space.
About the Author
In 2004, Dan Linehan attended the launch of SpaceShipOne when it captured the Ansari X Prize. He has a background in physics and engineering and has written numerous articles about aviation and space. During 2006 and 2007, he spent two months studying wildlife and environmental concerns in Antarctica and its surrounds. Dan lives in Monterey, California.
In 2004, former engineer Dan Linehan attended the launch of SpaceShipOne when it captured the Ansari X Prize. His first book was SpaceShipOne: An Illustrated History, the authoritative account of this private spaceflight milestone. His job as a freelance writer takes him around the world and allows him to explore. His publications range from poems about fishermen in local newspapers to articles about superconductors in scientific journals. In addition, Dan has consulted as a senior science editor for educational publishing companies since 2003. He has a strong interest in environmental issues and enjoys many forms of writing. Dan lives in Monterey, California.
Product details
- ASIN : 0760338159
- Publisher : Zenith Press
- Publication date : July 7, 2011
- Edition : First Edition
- Language : English
- Print length : 160 pages
- ISBN-10 : 9780760338155
- ISBN-13 : 978-0760338155
- Item Weight : 2.2 pounds
- Dimensions : 9.63 x 0.75 x 11.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #2,468,785 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,744 in Aeronautics & Astronautics (Books)
- #2,283 in Astrophysics & Space Science (Books)
- #2,663 in Scientist Biographies
- Customer Reviews:
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Customers find the book readable and appreciate how it brings home the fundamentals of great design. The story quality receives positive feedback, with one customer describing it as a true story of an American legend.
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Customers find the book readable, with one describing it as an encyclopedia of fantastic achievements.
"Great book about a brilliant aviation designer. Burt Rutan is a truly a titan in aerospace and has made his mark in history. Robert Gilliland, Jr." Read more
"Excellent book" Read more
"This book is an absolutely great read - it really fuels the imagination, and brings home the fundamentals of great design Burt used throughout his..." Read more
"...Enjoyed the book." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's design, with one noting how it brings home the fundamentals of great design.
"Great book about a brilliant aviation designer. Burt Rutan is a truly a titan in aerospace and has made his mark in history. Robert Gilliland, Jr." Read more
"...great read - it really fuels the imagination, and brings home the fundamentals of great design Burt used throughout his career...." Read more
"...I am into all sorts of mechanical things and design fields...." Read more
Customers appreciate the story quality of the book, with one customer describing it as a true story of an American legend, while another notes how well it captures Burt Rutan's history.
"This book does a good job capturing the history of Burt Rutan and his many achievements...." Read more
"Great book and in excellent condition . Fantastic story , excellent photographic quality, a true story of an american legend" Read more
"Anatomy of a legend; if you are even remotely interested in aircraft and inovation, you have to have this book." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2015Great book about a brilliant aviation designer. Burt Rutan is a truly a titan in aerospace and has made his mark in history. Robert Gilliland, Jr.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2012This book does a good job capturing the history of Burt Rutan and his many achievements. I bought this for my son to be inspired by Burt and follow his example of leadership in industry.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2013Great book and in excellent condition . Fantastic story , excellent photographic quality, a true story of an american legend
- Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2012This book is an absolutely great read - it really fuels the imagination, and brings home the fundamentals of great design Burt used throughout his career.
I dock 1 star for the shoddy Kindle conversion...the content is messed up out of sequence, and there are periods where there is gray on white text that is impossible to rad...shame really for such a great read
- Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2013Rutan is one of my heroes. I am into all sorts of mechanical things and design fields. This book shows the ability and the vision that many people have and Burt used his to show the world what can be done when you think "outside the lines".
MUST READ for all aviation and mechanical gearheads. I have just purchased "SpaceShip One" so that I can continue to learn about my hero. I' m 72 years old and still have heroes.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2013My husband had seen a seminar by Burt Rutan and said the book was as interesting as the man. Enjoyed the book.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2017I saw and met Burt Rutan the year he brought the Catbird to Oshkosh what a fantastic machine that was. I also was an F-4 crewchief and did not know that Burt worked on the flat spin problem.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2016Great book
Top reviews from other countries
MarkoReviewed in Germany on December 16, 20145.0 out of 5 stars private Space flight
I bought the book, because I'm a huge fan of Rutan. I didn't expect to lean a lot new since I thought I knew all about Rutan home builds and space flight in general. While the first is true, I wasn't aware of the private space flight development. The book is a picture book and illustrates the path from Rutans 1st home build to the Space Ship 2. Here especially the hybride rocket engine was something I never did read about before (and sort of a "WOW" effect).
Love it!
bettyReviewed in Canada on November 15, 20195.0 out of 5 stars Treat yourself
Burt Rutan is a legend. Treat yourself.
STUART FORSYTHReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 3, 20135.0 out of 5 stars Unique !!!
Excellent record showing evolution of Burt Rutans unique slants on developing solutions to aeronautical conundrums culminating in development of White Knight and Spaceship One. Very interesting insight into future commercial development of Earth orbit travel and subsequent push to deeper space.
Highly recommend if you are like me and find human desire to escape the gravitational pull of Terra Firma and enter Terra slightly Incognito. This is a literary and emotional rocket ride. I just wish I had the £200,000 for Richard Bransons commercial passenger flights. Alas, the stuff of dreams for me.
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Amazone CustomerReviewed in Japan on November 20, 20165.0 out of 5 stars バート・ルータンとは何者か
航空機設計者としてはリビングレジェンドとも言えるバート・ルータンだが、彼のキャリアや開発した航空機を体系的にまとめた書籍を見たのはこれが初めてだった。
タイトルで示されているようにAnsari X Prizeでの宇宙への挑戦が本書のメインテーマではあるものの、前半(約3/5)はそれまでにルータンが携わった航空機とそのエピソードが紹介されており、特にRAF時代に製作された機体については最低でも2ページを割いて詳細な情報および写真が提供されている。プッシャー・カナードをはじめとする特異な機体形状が生み出された経緯など、知りたかった情報が満載で個人的にはここだけで購入する価値があった。ただし、スケールド・コンポジッツが担当した機体については一部の概要やリストが紹介される程度にとどめられている(詳細は機密扱いとのこと)。
後半(約2/5)のX PrizeのくだりはWhiteKnightとSpaceShipOneの話題が中心になる。こちらについては他にも情報源があるのでそれほど期待していなかったが、ルータンとスケールド・コンポジッツによる課題解決のプロセスがわかりやすく説明されており、興味深く読めた。図や写真が豊富なのも見どころ。表紙カバーの写真がWhiteKnightTwo & SpaceShipTwoであるようにAnsari X Prize後の動きも紹介されてはいるが、2011年の書籍であるため情報は限定的。もちろん2014年のSpaceShipTwoの事故についても触れられていない。
ルータンはRAFやスケールド・コンポジッツのボスではあったが、彼の視点は経営者やビジネスマンというよりも童心を忘れない技術者である。宇宙を目指すのは夢であり挑戦であって、ビジネスとしては二の次なのだろう。本書を読んでいるとそんな人間性が伝わってくるのが、とても小気味良く感じられた。
Roger AlltonReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 9, 20135.0 out of 5 stars A genius
Burt Rutan lives with the early pioneers of flight, with his innovative approach and exploration of the boundaries of new material. Hi wayout designs fly well too!


