Chasing the Moon: How America Beat Russia in the Space Race

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In a world divided by the ideological struggles of the Cold War, the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement, more than one-fifth of the people on the planet paused to watch the live transmission of the Apollo 11 mission. To watch as humanity took a giant leap forward.A companion book to the landmark documentary series on BBC TV.The journey from Cape Canaveral to the Moon was a tremendous achievement of human courage and ingenuity. It was also a long, deadly march, haunted by the possibility of catastrophic failure on the world’s stage. In an era when the most advanced portable computer weighed 70 pounds, had a 36-kilobite memory and operated on less power than a 60-watt lightbulb, the sheer audacity of the goal is breath-taking. But the triumph of imagination and the unity of the Earth that day would change the world.Based on eyewitness accounts and newly discovered archival material, Chasing the Moon reveals the unknown stories of the individuals who made the Moon landing a possibility, from inspirational science fiction writer Arthur C. Clark and controversial engineer Wernher von Braun, to pioneers like mathematician Poppy Northcutt and astronaut Edward Dwight. It vividly revisits the dawn of the Space Age, a heady time of scientific innovation, political calculation, media spectacle, visionary impulses and personal drama.With Chasing the Moon, Robert Stone presents a modern interpretation of 20th century history, delving into the intricacies of warfare, military operations, and nuclear advancements. This top-notch book, rich in astronomy and historical insights, is among the best in its genre.For fans of Stephen Walker (Beyond), Richard J. Evans (The Coming of the Third Reich), David Whitehouse (Apollo 11), Earl Swift (Across the Airless Wilds), and Michael Collins (Carrying the Fire). Show more