Overview

During the 1970s, Americans launched 12 robot spacecraft on paths to the far corners of the solar system. Each mission was a resounding success, yielding detailed knowledge of Earth's neighbouring planets and advancing human understanding of the solar system's origin and evolution. This book describes the financial, political, and technical hurdles facing each mission. As NASA's director of planetary programs during the 1970s, the author witnessed rivalries between scientists, worked to ensure that projects remained in NASA and federal budgets, and reshaped missions to meet changing priorities, schedules, and vehicle configurations. The book also chronicles the technical problems that sometimes jeopardized missions and describes such successes as the first landings on Mars in 1976.

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9781560989547

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Kraemer's insider account of planetary science in the 1970s is a welcome addition to the history of space exploration. -- Roger D. Launius, Chair, Division of Space History, National Air and Space Museum

Kraemer's insider account of planetary science in the 1970s is a welcome addition to the history of space exploration.--Roger D. Launius

Author Information

Robert S. Kraemer began his engineering career in 1951, working for the renowned Rocketdyne division of North American Aviation. For his work during the 1970s as NASA's director of planetary programs, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the agency's highest award.

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