The Spaceflight Vault – A History of NASA’s Manned Missions by Mark Mayfield; Whitman Publishing, LLC; Atlanta, Georgia; $49.95 (hard cover/box); 2010.
Here’s a book that keeps on giving and giving. This volume is designed as a scrapbook, but also provides a spectacular look at the decades of progress in evolving the ability to place humans into space. From Chinese bamboo rockets in 1232 to 2010 and onward – this book is a true romp into the past and a glimpse into the future.
Talk about passion! Mark Mayfield, the author and the reader’s historical guide, showcases his love and zeal for space. He has assembled a wealth of information, purging various archives to unearth some real space gems. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what he has uncovered.
Even the most seasoned space aficionado will find images, pullout drawings and check list reproductions, as well as fascinating factoids in this volume, from the pages of Robert Goddard’s diary and the patented design of the Mercury single-seater capsule…to a movie poster-like handout for the Ares 1-X first flight.
A salute to Whitman Publishing is also on the table given the superb production job that gives the reader such an experience, page after page.
The Spaceflight Vault is just that – a catacomb of rich history that spotlights the onward march of humankind into space.
As Mayfield explains: “Though we haven’t yet matched the spirit of the 1960s and President Kennedy’s quest for the moon, there are new feats and discoveries that promise to elevate the space program to new heights.”
Owning this volume is a must. You’ll better understand both how far humankind has come and just how reachable the tomorrow’s to come really are.
For more information, go to:
http://www.whitmanbooks.com/Default.aspx?Page=81&ProductID=0794830463
By Leonard David