From Earth to the Stars

For millennia, humanity has looked to the stars with wonder and longing. The dream of taking flight and exploring the solar system was realized in the 1950s, when the first satellites and manned orbital missions were launched. Humans continue to send scientific instruments, telescopes, and astronauts into space in an effort to learn more about the universe and about Earth. This title will explain the practical and scientific benefits of space exploration, from tracking climate change to global cooperation through shared research.

Since ancient times, people have envisioned the possibility of space travel. Spaceflight finally became a reality after many centuries of scientific study on two fronts: astronomy and flight. Theories about the solar system were proposed, tested, and revised. Instruments for examining the night skies were invented and improved. Flight was accomplished as a result of countless experiments-some of them deadly. This resource traces space exploration-one of the most exciting pursuits in history-from the legend of Icarus to the reality of Sputnik.

None of humanity's great achievements in space exploration would be possible without the work of the scientists who built those amazing rockets that blasted us into the heavens. This captivating resource about human accomplishments in rocket science covers the history of rocketry since the advent of rocket-powered missiles, as well as today's triumphs and our hopes for the future. Straightforward explanations of the science behind multi-stage rockets, liquid propellants, and sounding rockets are included. Sidebars cover pioneers in rocket science, challenges and setbacks in the field, and advice for pursuing a career in rocket science.

In 1961, Russian cosmonaut Yury Gagarin became the first person to orbit Earth. Now, more than a half-century later, huge advances have been achieved in spaceflight. Humans have walked on the moon, lived in orbit around Earth on space stations, and are now looking to Mars as the next frontier. This easy-to-understand narrative presents the Cold War's space race, the effects of spaceflight on humans, what is required to become an astronaut, and how NASA and private companies are embracing the future of spaceflight.