Shooting for the Moon provides an accessible and detailed look into one of the most intriguing programs ever: the American lunar program. From the pioneer efforts of test pilots in the early space program, to the worldwide exhilaration behind man's first walk on the moon, to the devastation behind the disastrous Challenger accident and the new visions the government now has for the program, author Bob Berman recounts for the lay reader all the advances and setbacks that have taken place during the immense growth of the space program. Human beings have always looked spaceward with wonder, envisioning travels that embarked upon the final frontier. While notions of traveling to outer space were the stuff of science fiction at the beginning of the twentieth century, a dizzying rate of scientific advances saw these dreams become reality by mid-century. Shooting for the Moon tells the fascinating story of the NASA space program, focusing on the ambitious Apollo program and how humans took their first steps off of planet Earth. While it was an unprecedented growth in technological capabilities that made space travel possible, the real stars in the story of spaceflight were the people themselves. Bob Berman introduces us to these space pioneers: to the celebrated Original Seven of the Mercury program; to Wally Schirra, the rebel astronaut who bucked mission control; to Frank Borman, commander of the pivotal Apollo 8 mission; and to many others. He takes us into the cockpit during the fatal moments of the Apollo 1 disaster; recounts the unspoken rivalry between Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, the first two men to walk on the moon; and reveals how White House politics have shaped the space program throughout the years. As the United States looks ahead once again to further missions into space, Shooting for the Moon provides an essential look at the daring history of human spaceflight. A compelling story, beautifully told, of the greatest adventure in human history. Paul Hoffman, author of Wings of Madness and host of the PBS series Great Minds of Science For older readers, this book will bring back nostalgic memories while filling in details of the lunar mission they never knew. For the younger generation, this material is quite new as the story behind the Moon landing has almost been forgotten. Here is a story that has enough adventure, excitement, and suspense to give Harry Potter a run for its money. But unlike Harry Potter , it really happened! Tarun Biswas, Associate Professor of Physics, State University of New York at New Paltz Bob Berman is author of Strange Universe and Secrets of the Night Sky . He has a weekly radio show and a monthly hour-long call-in show on NPR Northeast. He also writes a column for The Old Farmer's Almanac and is a monthly columnist for Discover and Astronomy magazines. He lives in upstate New York. Used Book in Good Condition