While the observation of objects in space, known as astronomy, predates reliable recorded history, it was the development of large and relatively efficient rockets during the mid 20th century that allowed physical space exploration to become a reality. Common rationales for exploring space include advancing scientific research, national prestige, uniting different nations, ensuring the future survival of humanity, and developing military and strategic advantages against other countries.The early era of space exploration was driven by a "Space Race" between the Soviet Union and the United States. A driving force of the start of space exploration was during the Cold War. After the ability to create nuclear weapons, the narrative of defense/offense left land and the power to control the air became the focus. Both the Soviet and the U.S. were fighting to prove their superiority in technology through exploring the unknown.The first successful orbital launch was of the Soviet uncrewed Sputnik 1 ("Satellite 1") mission on 4 October 1957. The first successful human spaceflight was Vostok 1 ("East 1"), carrying the 27-year-old Russian cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, on 12 April 1961. The spacecraft completed one orbit around the globe, lasting about 1 hour and 48 minutes. Gagarin's flight resonated around the world; it was a demonstration of the advanced Soviet space program and it opened an entirely new era in space exploration: human spaceflight.Laika was a Soviet space dog who was one of the first animals in space and the first to orbit the Earth. A stray mongrel from the streets of Moscow, she flew aboard the Sputnik 2 spacecraft, launched into low orbit on 3 November 1957. Starting in the mid-20th century probes and then human mission were sent into Earth orbit, and then on to the Moon. Also, probes were sent throughout the known Solar System, and into Solar orbit. Uncrewed spacecraft have been sent into orbit around Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, and Mercury by the 21st century.

Fascinating history of the space flights to the moon, covering both the crewed and uncrewed flights. Excellent photos

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 55 years since Apollo 11 mission landed on the moon, with Neil Armstrong taking his “small step for man”, Mike Collins orbiting up above all alone, and Buzz Aldrin eventually submitting a travel voucher for $33.31 to NASA for his trip “Houston, Texas — Cape Kennedy — Moon — Pacific Ocean — Hawaii — Houston, Texas”.

So obviously as a self-proclaimed space nerd*, there was no way I was not going to read a book about Moon missions — American Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space missions and a bit about the Soviet space programs.

I thought this book had a bit of a rough start, with going over the early history of space flight and Mercury missions both too quickly and with too much details despite the speed. But then sometime around Gemini program either the author found his groove or I got used to his style, but it went quite a bit better and easier (or maybe we got to the parts I tend to like better). Suddenly we were in the land of great photos and factoids and fun matter-of-fact anecdotes, and even a photo of that awesome Buzz Aldrin space voucher.

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“New microphones were incorporated inside the helmet together with an oral thermometer, the latter eliminating the need for the rectal thermometer that had been used on all the previous missions.”
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“The crew settled down to carry out the large number of experiments that had been assigned to their mission. One of these was a bioassay of body fluids, which required wastes to be collected and labelled as in a laboratory. This was an experimental requirement of all Gemini crews and one that they all disliked intensely in doing.”
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“One of the minor problems that affected some of the astronauts was when wearing their full suit complete with helmet, they had the urge to scratch their nose or their ear. Now as innocuous as this may sound, it can become the source of extreme irritation and detract from the task ahead. To try and resolve this a small piece of Velcro was attached to the inside of the helmet, which enabled the astronaut to turn his head and rub his nose or ear against it – and it worked.”
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It’s not a bad summary of Moon missions, although I think it works better for someone already a bit familiar with the history of it rather than a total novice. For a brief-ish summary (208 pages for all the missions) at times it is too technical but at other times a bit too short. But it was still fun, and anything to do with the Moon Missions is ridiculously interesting.

3.5 stars. Worth spending a few days with it and be amazed at what humans can do if they just put their minds to it without wasting them on destructive things.

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Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword | White Owl for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An amazing book about the flights to the Moon, it contains a lot of details about the missions and about everything that was done to have a safe flight to the moon. Also, the photos to give more perspective upon the subject discussed.

Space has long been a topic I have enjoyed. I like space in general, but missions to explore around Earth and the moon are specifically interesting to me. Since I won't be able to do anything like that personally, seeing the experiences and pictures from others that have done it are great to see. This book details the missions to explore the moon, including what led up to them and how preparations were made.

All aspects of the flights, from the initial space launches to the rockets and modules, to the people involved are included. Each section is very thorough and includes pictures that help explain the information and let readers see what the people and equipment were like. Anybody with an interest in space would find this book informative and engaging.

I received a free ARC of the book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.