The Politics and Perils of Space Exploration
Description
Can private enterprise fill NASA's shoes and provide the same expertise, safety measures and lessons learned?
In order to tell this story, it is important to understand the politics of space as well as the dangers, why it is so difficult to explore and utilize the resources of space. Some past and recent triumphs and failures will be discussed, pointing the way to a successful space policy that includes taking risks but also learning how to mitigate them.
Reviews / Votes
"A main idea Dawson (Univ. of Washington, Tacoma) explores is that space exploration is important not only to further develop science and technology, but also to 'gain political power.' . Dawson commences with the present day and fills in the history as it relates to the topic of the chapter. Each chapter also begins with a list of the key words indexed within it. . Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above; faculty and professionals." (R. I. Saltz, Choice, Vol. 57 (11), July, 2017)
"Astonishingly, Linda Dawson was able to compile all this voluminous information on only 195 pages, including all the appropriate high-resolution images, many spectacular ones as they were published worldwide during the particular events. . The book is highly recommended for decision makers, but also for taxpayers to judge and understand what 'their money' achieved with respect to space exploration, and to keep track of the very complex and difficult decisions we will have to make for our global future." (Joachim J. Kehr, Journal of Space Operations & Communicator, opsjournal.org, Issue 14, 2017)More details
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Linda Dawson received her BS in Engineering Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT and a Engineering Aeronautics and Astronautics MS from George Washington University at NASA Langley Research Center. She is a Senior Lecturer in Physical Science and Statistics at the University of Washington, Tacoma. Dawson served as Aerodynamics Officer for the Mission Control Center Ascent and Entry Flight Control Teams during the first space shuttle mission. During orbital phases, she served as an advisor on the impact of system failures on the orbiter's re-entry trajectory and configuration. From re-entry through touchdown, she was responsible for monitoring the orbiter's stability and control, advising the crew of any necessary corrective actions. Additionally, she serves on the Education Committee and the Space Committee for the Museum of Flight in Seattle.