Author(s): Alex Woolf

The Science Of

Did you know that the first space station was launched by the Soviet Union in 1971, or that the Webb Space Telescope - set to launch in 2020 - will be able to see vast distances, back to the early history of the universe? Space has been a source of fascination to humans for thousands of years. From the 1950s onwards, spacecraft have enabled us to journey to the Moon, the planets, and other bodies in orbit around the Sun. This fascinating guide explores the many different kinds of spacecraft in use today, from the artificial satellites that orbit Earth to the probes that explore the furthest reaches of our solar system. It covers how they are built, how they navigate and communicate, and what operations they perform as they travel through their airless environment. Features include funny and interesting illustrations; real-world science examples; side panels to tackle complex subject matter in a fun and relevant way; detailed glossary and more.