From the shocking launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik and the subsequent acceleration of the American space program to the first manned space flights, the moon landings, and the Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs, the history of space travel is full of fascinating stories, technological marvels, hair-raising and death-defying feats of courage, and an inspiring spirit of both adventure and discovery. This is all brought into sharp focus in spreads that are bursting with color, fascinating facts, and stunning imagery. Also examined is the future of space travel, including space tourism, manned missions to Mars, and intergalactic manned exploration of deep space.