Reaching for the Moon

In "A New History of the Space Race," aerospace historian Roger D. Launius delves into the riveting competition between American and Soviet engineers during the pivotal years of space exploration, from the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957 to the end of the Apollo program in 1972. Launius thoughtfully examines the complex interplay between military and civilian space initiatives, spotlighting key figures such as Wernher von Braun, Sergei Korolev, Buzz Aldrin, and Alexei Leonov. This concise narrative captures both the monumental achievements and the significant setbacks that defined this extraordinary era in history.