Philip's essential guide to space : the definitive guide to exploring and understanding our solar system and the universe beyond

A stimulating guide detailing recent developments in space exploration written by Paul Sutherland. Rockets, spacecraft and satellites - the first steps into space. The race to the Moon - and future lunar exploration. Exploring the Solar System - up-to-date information about human and robotic spaceflight. Making space home - living and working on the International Space Station. Observatories in space - looking for other planetary systems and measuring the Universe. Illustrated throughout with stunning photographs and colourful artworks. Suitable for ages 12 to adult. Philip's Essential Guide to Space takes the reader on a beautifully illustrated and informative journey - from the earliest beginnings of rockets and artificial satellites, through the first manned space missions, and on to the latest space probes venturing out into the farthest reaches of the Solar System and the observatories in space that are delving deeper into the origins of the Universe. Author Paul Sutherland describes the early attempts to build rockets in order to propel artificial satellites into Earth orbit for the first time, and examines the difficulties that were overcome in order to launch humans into orbit and on to the Moon.

In time, these advances in technology led to the construction and operation of the International Space Station. Much of our knowledge of the Solar System has been derived from space probes that have visited distant planets and sent back images and data streams for analysis.

The Sun and the planets are examined in turn, reflecting on the orbiters and landers that have provided a wealth of information. Looking beyond our Solar System to distant galaxies and other deep-sky objects, Paul describes the missions and space observatories that are working to expand our knowledge of black holes, supernova remnants and gamma-ray bursts, as well as the discovery of other planetary systems. Suitable for ages 12 to adult, Philip's Essential Guide to Space is illustrated in full colour throughout.