The aim of the Space Exploration annuals is to provide a yearly update on recent space launches, missions and results, to be published every September. The annual will cover space exploration from a variety of angles, looking back at past missions, reviewing those currently under way and detailing those planned for the future, and encompassing both manned and unmanned spaceflight.
The invited contributions, authored by leading figures in astronomy and space exploration and which make up the bulk of the annual each year, will cover a variety of topics and are written to appeal to a wide readership. One feature introduced in the first volume ‘Solar System Log’ featuring the very latest in the exploration of the planets, their moons and small Solar System bodies, will be retained for Space Exploration 2008, and will comprise seven chapters. In addition, there will be a special additional section entitled, ‘Return to the Moon’ containing three chapters.
From the reviews:
"Space Exploration 2008 is the second in what looks set to become a series of annuals by Springer Praxis ... . For the new edition, space historian David Harland joins Brian Harvey in editing the informative and well-produced collection of contemporary articles. ... The illustrations are good and this book makes an ideal Christmas present for anyone generally interested in an overview of current space exploration." (Clive Simpson, Spaceflight, Vol. 50 (1), 2008)
"This book is well illustrated with colour photographs and diagrams ... . The text is really only suitable for teenagers and adults. There are useful references to books and websites ... . Anybody with a passing interest in spaceflight will enjoy this book. It will give them an overview of the state of space exploration and perhaps whet their appetite to find out more about specific missions." (Nick Quinn, Astronomy Now, February, 2008)
"This is the second annual publication by authors Harland and Harvey, planned for release each September. The 2008 edition reviews all rocket and satellite launches from around the world for 2006. ... The book is loaded with tables and charts of data, artist renditions, and color photographs with captions ... . The book will appeal to space enthusiasts. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers; two-year technical program students; practitioners." (M. S. McCullough, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (6), 2008)
"The book opens with a review of space activities in 2006, followed by a series of feature articles on a diverse range of topics. One looks at space tourism, and outlines the main players and their plans. ... There’s also an excellent article on studying the Sun from space. ... This book is extensively illustrated, with photos on nearly every page and the quality of the reproductions is excellent. This book is definitely a winner ... ."(David MacLennan, Liftoff, Issue 246, 2008)
