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Outward Odyssey: A People's History of Spaceflight

This series delves into the captivating history of space exploration, centering on the human stories behind the missions. It highlights the astronauts, cosmonauts, technicians, and their families, giving equal weight to their personal experiences and sacrifices. The narrative traces the journey from early rocket pioneers to contemporary space endeavors. Expect a deeply personal and comprehensive account that emphasizes people over pure technology.

Go, Flight!
  • Go, Flight!

    The Unsung Heroes of Mission Control, 1965–1992

    • 368 pages
    • 13 hours of reading

    At first glance, it looks like just another auditorium in just another government building. But among the talented men (and later women) who worked in mission control, the room located on the third floor of Building 30—at what is now Johnson Space Center—would become known by many as “The Cathedral.” These members of the space program were the brightest of their generations, making split-second decisions that determined the success or failure of a mission. The flight controllers, each supported by a staff of specialists, were the most visible part of the operation, running the missions, talking to the heavens, troubleshooting issues on board, and, ultimately, attempting to bring everyone safely back home. None of NASA’s storied accomplishments would have been possible without these people. Interviews with dozens of individuals who worked in the historic third-floor mission control room bring the compelling stories to life. Go, Flight! is a real-world reminder of where we have been and where we could go again given the right political and social climate.

    Go, Flight!
    4.3