Exploring Space From Galileo to the Mars Rover and Beyond [Hardcover]

Launch into a truly out-of-this-world examination of the past, present, and future of humans in space.

For centuries, humans have looked up at the night sky and wondered what it’s like deep in space, far from Earth — and now we’ve begun to find out. We’ve landed on the moon, put robots on Mars, and sent space probes billions of miles to explore the far reaches of our solar system. Told in richly detailed cutaway illustrations by Stephen Biesty and friendly, engaging writing by Martin Jenkins, here is the enthralling story of how we made the great leap into space and what we’ve discovered there. Find out what life is like on the International Space Station, what the chances are that we will ever settle on Mars, where in the solar system we might find alien life, and why visiting other stars will almost certainly remain a dream. Budding astronomers, junior astronauts, and anyone who has ever gazed up at the stars in fascination will pore over this beautifully intricate yet accessible glimpse of the infinite wonders of space.In exceptionally clear prose, Jenkins surveys the history and possible future of space exploration...The subject matter is thrilling on its own, but this expert portrayal of the facts makes it all the more captivating. Space-mad kids will want to browse this again and again.
—Booklist (starred review)

Biesty's eye for exact, precise detail is well in evidence in the illustrations...he offers riveting depictions of space gear and craft with every last scientific instrument and structural element visible and labeled.
—Kirkus Reviews

This attractive volume, with Stephen Biesty’s signature detailed illustrations, may look like a coffee table/gift book, but it’s got serious textual chops...This will be appreciated by readers who want the big picture on space travel—either as an intro to a new topic of interest or as a brushup on information previously acquired lÕ