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Author
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Topic: Space Stations (Kitmacher, Miller, Pearlman)
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cspg Member Posts: 6210 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
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posted 01-15-2018 08:47 AM
Space Stations: The Art, Science, and Reality of Working in Space by Gary Kitmacher, Ron Miller, Robert Pearlman A rich visual history of real and fictional space stations, illustrating pop culture's influence on the development of actual space stations and vice versaSpace stations represent both the summit of space technology and, possibly, the future of humanity beyond Earth. Space Stations: The Art, Science, and Reality of Working in Space takes the reader deep into the heart of past, present, and future space stations, both real ones and those dreamed up in popular culture. This lavishly illustrated book explains the development of space stations from the earliest fictional visions through historical and current programs — including Skylab, Mir, and the International Space Station — and on to the dawning possibilities of large-scale space colonization. Engrossing narrative and striking images explore not only the spacecraft themselves but also how humans experience life aboard them, addressing everything from the development of efficient meal preparation methods to experiments in space-based botany. The book examines cutting-edge developments in government and commercial space stations, including NASA's Deep Space Habitats, the Russian Orbital Technologies Commercial Space Station, and China's Tiangong program. Throughout, Space Stations also charts the fascinating depiction of space stations in popular culture, whether in the form of children's toys, comic-book spacecraft, settings in science-fiction novels, or the backdrop to TV series and Hollywood movies. Space Stations is a beautiful and captivating history of the idea and the reality of the space station from the nineteenth century to the present day. - Hardcover: 240 pages
- Smithsonian Books (October 30, 2018)
- ISBN-10: 1588346323
- ISBN-13: 978-1588346322
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Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-10-2018 11:00 PM
Our first review! From Publishers Weekly: NASA project manager Kitmacher, science writer Miller (Aliens: Past, Present, Future), and space historian Pearlman deliver a generously illustrated crash course in the history, present, and future of space stations. After describing early cosmology, the authors move through the first theoretical and fictional descriptions of permanent space-based structures, the early days of space travel, the first working stations, and a longer look at the International Space Station. A section on space stations' depiction in pop culture, from German author Karl Laffert's 1926 novel about a "Weltraumstation" to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, provides an intriguing perspective, and the authors finish with the possible implications for humanity, such as outposts like the ISS becoming "the means by which we leave our planet behind and find new places to live." The layout is visually appealing, with plentiful drawings, diagrams, and photos to aid understanding. The physics and early historical background are at times rushed and repetitive, but the technical descriptions are unimpeachable and wonderfully complemented by accounts of the minutiae of everyday life in space. The authors have created an information-packed starting point perfect for anyone interested in space stations, but unsure where to begin. |
denali414 Member Posts: 593 From: Raleigh, NC Registered: Aug 2017
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posted 07-11-2018 06:05 AM
Kudos on the review and book! |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-20-2018 11:42 AM
New review from Booklist: Although NASA scientists are still a long way from constructing a version of the iconic wheel-shaped space station in "2001: A Space Odyssey," since 1971, several well-designed research stations have successfully made it into orbit, from the ill-fated Skylab, which famously fell to earth after only six years, to the still operational International Space Station (ISS), launched in 1998. Weaving together history, popular culture, and aeronautical engineering details, Johnson Space Center consultant Kitmacher joins space memorabilia expert Pearlman and science fiction illustrator Miller in presenting a beautifully illustrated guide to these spectacular orbiting edifices from the past, present, and future. In seven richly informative sections, the authors look at the visionary prehistory of space stations, such as nineteenth century author Edward Everett Hale's bizarre "brick moon," survey the challenges behind building the Soviet Mir and ISS stations, and flash forward to images of futuristic space colonies. Covering technical breakthroughs as well as Star Trek and comic book references, their work will win high marks from space buffs and sf fans alike. |
fredtrav Member Posts: 1673 From: Birmingham AL Registered: Aug 2010
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posted 08-20-2018 07:19 PM
Book signing tour? |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-20-2018 09:12 PM
Nothing scheduled as of yet, though I have had this idea about convincing Gary and Ron to join me on a trip to the International Space Station to hold a signing aboard one of our subjects... stay tuned. |
fredtrav Member Posts: 1673 From: Birmingham AL Registered: Aug 2010
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posted 08-22-2018 10:30 AM
Well if you need someone to help carry gear when you go, let me know. Be glad to help out.
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OLDIE Member Posts: 267 From: Portsmouth, England Registered: Sep 2004
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posted 11-27-2018 06:49 AM
I've just seen, in the adverts section, an advert for "Space Stations: The Art, Science and Reality of Working in Space." One of the co-authors is our own Robert Pearlman. It looks to be a book well worth buying. Perhaps Robert can tell us if signed copies will be available, or if their will be book signing events. Editor's note: Threads merged. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 11-27-2018 06:50 AM
Thanks! We are working on making signed copies available. I'll post here when confirmed. |
MCroft04 Member Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
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posted 03-18-2019 01:02 PM
I purchased this book from Robert (with autographs from all three authors) in November at the ASF show and am finally getting to it. It's been slowly rising to the top of the heap, and my first pass though it has me excited. |
astro-nut Member Posts: 946 From: Washington, IL Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 03-23-2019 03:03 PM
I purchased this book from Robert Pearlman and I cannot wait to read this book. I did look through it on my plane ride back from Houston and I am looking forward to reading it! It is great that Robert and Nicole Stott autographed it for me! Also, saw this book at Barnes & Nobles bookstore. |
MCroft04 Member Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
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posted 04-19-2019 08:19 AM
I just completed reading Space Stations. Robert and his co-authors did a wonderful job of telling the history and evolution of the space station. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on planning to live in space and early space stations which covered many of the first space station concepts, from the von Braun wheel-shaped station to a plethora of other designs; some small, some large and others huge. The early space stations are also covered including MOL, a Mercury-based station, Salyut, Skylab, Spacelab and many more. The construction of the ISS is told in a chapter of its own. The authors even include a chapter on space stations and pop culture before wrapping up the book with the future of the space station. This is a large sized book (approximately 10” x 11”) chocked full of facts and beautiful, informative color photographs. My copy is signed by 2 of the 3 authors (personalized to me by Robert) and includes an ISS hashtag written in ink flown aboard the ISS! Mission accomplished Robert! |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-19-2019 11:05 AM
Thanks Mel! Glad you enjoyed the book and found it a good read. Since you mention the inclusion of pop culture, I'll let you (and everyone reading) in on an easter egg — there is a collectSPACE logo hidden somewhere in the book. If you find it and then find me at Spacefest this year, I'll give you a prize. |
MCroft04 Member Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
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posted 04-19-2019 01:42 PM
The challenge is on. The book is back off the bookshelf. |
Tallpaul Member Posts: 153 From: Rocky Point, NY, USA Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 05-09-2019 09:54 AM
Words cannot adequately convey just how fantastic this book is. It belongs on the bookshelf of every person who is interested in the history of space exploration. It is a seminal work. |
OLDIE Member Posts: 267 From: Portsmouth, England Registered: Sep 2004
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posted 11-12-2019 01:28 PM
Any further news of book signings? |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 11-12-2019 02:28 PM
Unfortunately, scheduling all three authors to be in the same place at the same time proved a challenge, in addition to other logistical concerns. Perhaps, as we near the 20th anniversary of Expedition 1, there will be a chance to look at a signing again, but it will depend on the support of the publisher, too. If and when there is news, it be shared here.Of course, if you happen to see Ron, Gary or myself at any event in the interim and happen to have your copy with you, we would be happy to sign. |
OLDIE Member Posts: 267 From: Portsmouth, England Registered: Sep 2004
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posted 11-13-2019 02:04 PM
Thanks Robert. I've now ordered my book. Now to get it signed at some stage! | |
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