SuperStructures in Space: From Satellites to Space Stations - a Guide to Whats Out There

Since the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957, hundreds of spacecraft--from satellites and probes to space stations--have ventured beyond Earth's atmosphere to orbit the globe, fly to other planets, peer into the depths of the universe, or encounter comets and asteroids. Many have become household names, their missions the focus of popular attention, while others undertake their equally important tasks in relative anonymity. Superstructures in Space is the first book to present pictorially the most important of these man-made objects. Featuring a wealth of breathtaking illustrations, this remarkable volume reveals the exciting story behind each selected spacecraft: its origins and development, its designers and manufacturers, and its launch and objectives.  It represents the first survey of the world's most significant and fascinating spacecraft at the dawn of the twenty-first century.  Superstructures in Space is an authoritative and engaging book written by an eminent aerospace historian that appeals to readers of all ages.

Michael H. Gorn is the author of eight books and many articles about the history of aeronautics and spaceflight, including Expanding the Envelope: Flight Research at NACA and NASA (winner of the Gardner-Lasser Aerosopace History Literature Award, presented by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 2004 for the best book in the field published during the previous five years).  He is also a recipient of the Alfred V. Verville Fellowship from the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum and was selected for the Aerospace History Fellowship by the American Historical Association.  Gorn worked as an historian for the U.S. federal government for 29 years, with the Department of the Air Force, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.  Additionally, he served as co-editor of the Smithsonian  History of Aviation book series.  Gorn is currently a Research Associate at the Smithsonian Institution, National Air and Space Museum.