Space: The next twenty-five years (Wiley Science editions)

Chuck Yeager. Signed Book.

In this latest entry in the postChallenger space-books sweepstakes, McDonough writes with clarity and a pop-science touch. The volume's 16 chapters are fairly short, although interlarded with excellently chosen block inserts from official NASA documents and writings by well-known science writers and experts. He offers a brief history of space exploration up to Neil Armstrong, takes a less-than exhaustive look at the Space Shuttle and concludes with a discussion of what the vehicle is still expected to do in spaceif the money is available. Because he is an engineer, McDonough is sharp on space-vehicle design, but his overview of anticipated new space discoveries and industrial-military uses lacks the richness of astrophysicist Harry L. Shipman's Space 2000. (PW Forecasts, May 1). McDonough, also wrote The Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence. Illustrations.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

McDonough ( The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence ) reviews briefly the history of space exploration and in more detail discusses the current situation, including the most promising areas for technical development and astronomical research. He covers the various controversies about the U.S. space program and quotes frequently from scientists, space program administrators, and others. McDonough himself advocates a strong U.S. space program, including continuation of manned space probes; however, his chapter on the Star Wars program carefully balances the pros and cons. This is not an essential work, but it should be interesting for nonspecialists. Recommended for public and academic libraries. Jack W. Weigel, Univ. of Michigan Lib.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.