Beyond the Atmosphere: Early Years of Space Science. NASA SP-4211

Newell, Homer E. (SIGNED)

Published by NASA Washington 1980

About this Item

8vo, xviii, 497pp illustrated throughout with photos, figs.,tables, index. Original Balack and silver cloth showing overall wear and rubbing. SIGNED by the author on the title page. Rare. 10341. Dr Homer E. Newell Jr. (1915-1983). Newell was a mathematics professor and author who became a powerful US government science administrator, rising eventually to the third in command of NASA. In the early 1960s he controlled or influenced virtually all non-military unmanned space missions for the free world. He played a significant role in the negotiations which led to the creation of NASA, chairing a committee of rocket and satellite experimenters that drafted a consensus plan for a national space establishment which was presented to Eisenhower's science advisor, and advising the Senate preparedness investigating subcommittee. When the legislation establishing NASA was passed in 1958, Newell was given credit by his peers, including Van Allen, who called him "The Spark Plug" for a strong space science element in NASA. Newell joined NASA in 1958 (the year this book was published), and was successively assistant director for space sciences (1958-1960), deputy director of space flight programs (1960-1961), director of space sciences (1961-1963), associate administrator for space science and applications (1963-1967) and finally associate administrator of NASA, the third ranking position, from 1967 until 1974 (and as such overseeing the Moon Landing.) (1967-1974). In 1965, Newell was awarded the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service. He was also commemorated in the Goddard Space Flight Center's Homer E. Newell memorial library, and asteroid 2086 Newell. Heavy book extra international shipping charges may apply.

Seller Inventory # 10341

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Beyond the Atmosphere: Early Years of Space Science. NASA SP-4211
• Publisher: NASA Washington 1980
• Binding: Hardcover
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)