Developed with NASA and the National Air and Space Museum to coincide with the 40th anniversary of NASA and John Glenn's return to space in the shuttle "Columbia", this never-before-published collection of images, accompanied by a brilliant new text, chronicles the history of the United States space program. 260 photos, 230 in color. The curator of NASA's art collection and the agency's chief historian have collaborated to put together this arresting collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures representing more than 30 years of space exploration. From the Mercury flights to the Mars Pathfinder mission, artists interpret the sights and emotions of each journey. Some focus on the astronauts, some on the machinery, some on the behind-the-scenes action. Each work is unique, whether realistic or impressionistic. This is a gorgeous book--perfect for space buffs, science historians, and anyone interested in a different perspective on human efforts to explore the universe.