Posts: 1274 From: Huntsville, AL, USA Registered: Jun 2003
posted 04-30-2020 02:48 PM
The series has gotten so large that we haven't done an in-person author event since Spacefest in 2014, but with the current demand for virtual content, we're getting the band together for some online events.
Watch for an announcement soon on the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Facebook page of panels on Tuesday and Thursday, and another event is already scheduled for the Los Angeles/Las Vegas AIAA Section on May 23, ahead of the first launch of US astronauts from US soil in nine years.
DavidH Member
Posts: 1274 From: Huntsville, AL, USA Registered: Jun 2003
posted 05-06-2020 08:30 AM
The first Outward Odyssey virtual panel is now online, featuring Francis French, Amy Shira Teitel, Chris Petty, John Youskauskas, and myself.
It was a really fun conversation, with Joseph Vick of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center asking about things like early museum experiences and books or historical events that shaped our path to writing our books.
The second half will be recorded and posted Thursday, with Rich Jurek, Rick Houston, Chris Gainor, Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom and Jay Gallentine; and we have a live event scheduled for May 23.
dom Member
Posts: 1072 From: Registered: Aug 2001
posted 05-06-2020 02:31 PM
A very entertaining discussion, nice to hear some of you talking for the first time.
Welcome to the team Chris!
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 52100 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-07-2020 08:35 PM
quote:Originally posted by DavidH: The second half will be recorded and posted Thursday, with Rich Jurek, Rick Houston, Chris Gainor, Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom and Jay Gallentine;
Here is that video:
dom Member
Posts: 1072 From: Registered: Aug 2001
posted 05-08-2020 08:38 AM
The second discussion was excellent. I hope future UNP authors watch it, as it was a masterclass in how to be a good spaceflight historian by some of the best in the business...
DavidH Member
Posts: 1274 From: Huntsville, AL, USA Registered: Jun 2003
posted 05-19-2020 01:15 PM
University of Nebraska Press has published a blog about the next Outward Odyssey author panel on Saturday (May 23).
DavidH Member
Posts: 1274 From: Huntsville, AL, USA Registered: Jun 2003
posted 05-26-2020 11:33 AM
And here's the video from Saturday's great conversation about the history of first flights and commercial space.
Kite Member
Posts: 1124 From: Northampton UK Registered: Nov 2009
posted 05-29-2020 05:01 PM
I have really enjoyed these three virtual discussions with all authors I have tremendous respect for having read their books in this remarkable series. Great comments from all and their enthusiasm for thir subject comes through in leaps and bounds. Seeing them brings their books even more alive to this reader so thank you very much to those who arranged it in these awkward times.
Delighted to see Geoffrey involved as I have had the privilege of meeting him several times at space events in the UK and his knowledge, and sense of humour, is greatly appreciated by all those who get to see him. I am looking forward to his book on Ron Evans when it is published.
One suggestion may I make is would it be possible for Colin Burgess to be involved in a future edition if there is indeed one. I realise he lives in Australia and the time zones would prove difficult but it would be wonderful to be able to see him in discussion too as the organiser of this brilliant series of books. I apologise if this suggestion is not practical.
ColinBurgess Member
Posts: 2153 From: Sydney, Australia Registered: Sep 2003
posted 05-29-2020 06:29 PM
I've actually been guilty of just watching and thoroughly enjoying these panel discussions without having to participate, but as David — who has such done a brilliant job of organising these sessions — is seeking some more interested institutions to back these talks, I have put my hand up to be involved in the future.
The time zone doesn't worry me at all, as you will have noted that Emeline has been taking part from New Zealand. So stick around for any future announcements from David.
Kite Member
Posts: 1124 From: Northampton UK Registered: Nov 2009
posted 05-30-2020 02:57 AM
Great news Colin. Thank you.
DavidH Member
Posts: 1274 From: Huntsville, AL, USA Registered: Jun 2003
posted 06-04-2020 01:06 PM
It's not a panel (and, yes, do stay tuned for upcoming announcements!), but Colin did contribute to this just-released blog post by Outward Odyssey authors about the Demo-2 launch.
DavidH Member
Posts: 1274 From: Huntsville, AL, USA Registered: Jun 2003
posted 07-09-2020 11:19 AM
I'll be moderating a panel on Facebook Saturday (July 11) with fellow Outward Odyssey authors for Spacefest on the stories behind the stories of their books. What was the most memorable experience in writing the book? What was the biggest regret? Who are they most glad they had the opportunity meet (and who are they most sorry they didn't)?
It'll be a really fun conversation; we'd love to have you join us. Go to the link for the full line-up of authors, but I will spoil that someone with initials CB is participating this time. (And it's not Charlie Bolden...)
FFrench Member
Posts: 3294 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 07-09-2020 01:50 PM
Oooh, is it Cate Blanchett?
DavidH Member
Posts: 1274 From: Huntsville, AL, USA Registered: Jun 2003
posted 07-14-2020 10:25 AM
Novaspace has posted the video with a total of 14 Outward Odyssey authors (including not only the request Colin Burgess but also my coauthor Joe Kerwin).
Kite Member
Posts: 1124 From: Northampton UK Registered: Nov 2009
posted 07-16-2020 04:55 PM
Thank you Kelsey of Spacefest and David for presenting two hours of joy. Only tonight been able to get round to watching it but well worth the wait. Brilliant seeing many of the authors of this superb series together, even if it was virtual.
All had interesting angles of the questions and let us in on what it is like to actually write a book, and the sense of fullfillment when it is achieved. Thank you all.
Amazing in these weird times how technology and inspiration has salvaged a part of Spacefest for all of us and you all appeared to be enjoying sharing your experiences.
Colin in particular getting up for a 4am start was very stoic and the logistics of arranging this very impressive. Wishing you all good luck on your current and future projects and I for one will be looking forward to reading them.
DavidH Member
Posts: 1274 From: Huntsville, AL, USA Registered: Jun 2003
posted 08-31-2020 02:30 PM
There are two more upcoming Outward Odyssey virtual events, for anyone who's interested:
On September 15, Colin Burgess, Michelle Evans, Francis French, Jay Gallentine and John Youskauskas and I will be holding a panel hosted by the local Huntsville chapters of the Society of Technical Communicators and National Space Society, with a discussion of what goes into the process of chronicling space history.
On Halloween, Francis French, Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom, Jay Chladek and I will be participating in a virtual event hosted by the Los Angeles/Las Vegas section of the AIAA, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the International Space Station.
DavidH Member
Posts: 1274 From: Huntsville, AL, USA Registered: Jun 2003
posted 09-30-2020 02:26 PM
Two quick updates – the video of the panel I mentioned in my last post is now live, either as one segment or multiple smaller nuggets.
Also, the University of Nebraska Press is currently running a half-price sale, including the Outward Odyssey books, if anyone needs to round out their collection.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 52100 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-05-2020 09:21 PM
Congratulations to Colin and all of the authors of the Outward Odyssey series for receiving the Ordway Award for Sustained Excellence in Spaceflight History by the American Astronautical Society — a richly deserved honor!
ColinBurgess Member
Posts: 2153 From: Sydney, Australia Registered: Sep 2003
posted 10-06-2020 04:11 PM
The success of the Outward Odyssey series is due in no small part to the incredible team at the University of Nebraska Press who have been massive supporters of the series over the past 17 years. I must add, however, that from the outset the series owes a deep gratitude to Robert and everyone at collectSPACE who helped make it happen. This amazing forum is where most of the authors came from, responding to my pleas for spaceflight enthusiasts to consider taking on a book. It has created a whole new generation of authors on the subject, and for that I am incredibly grateful, as are the authors and — I am sure — so many people who populate this wonderful website.
The Outward Odyssey series will continue to grow, and I thank all of you most sincerely for your encouragement and support.
garymilgrom Member
Posts: 2132 From: Atlanta, GA Registered: Feb 2007
posted 10-06-2020 04:26 PM
Thanks Colin and let's also thank those who bought the books; and Robert's forum for helping those sales. All my business experience tells me profits are necessary to sustain a business and sales drives the profit bus. Thanks again Colin for such a high quality product that's worth the price charged.
mrspacehead Member
Posts: 46 From: Registered: Jun 2017
posted 02-18-2021 08:30 PM
Colin, I think its been around a year since the last major update to the series. Are there any new updates?
ColinBurgess Member
Posts: 2153 From: Sydney, Australia Registered: Sep 2003
posted 02-18-2021 09:05 PM
I can reveal all but two books, which have now been placed under contract but are in the very early days of research and writing, so to protect these projects I'll keep them quiet for the time being. I can reveal that one is being written jointly by two regular contributors to collectSPACE, and this will be their first book, while the second is a biographical study that is being written by a previous Outward Odyssey author. As to the others:
"A Long Voyage to the Moon" (the Ron Evans story) by Geoffrey Bowman. Now undergoing final editing by UNP.
"Permission to Come Aboard" (Charlie Walker autobiography); manuscript about to be submitted for editing.
"The Light of Earth: Reflections on a Life in Space" by Al Worden and Francis French. A whole new book, now undergoing final editing by UNP. Another collaborative effort close to completion just before Al passed away.
"Born to Explore: At the Solar System's Distant Horizons" (Jay Gallentine); still working towards manuscript completion.
"EVA" (working title only) by Mel Croft and John Youskauskas. Still being researched and written.
"Challenge to Apollo" by Asif Siddiqi. A complete rewrite and massive update of his classic work, to be published over two volumes a year apart. Schedule details still to be announced.
Two others, as mentioned earlier, and another submitted proposal now being assessed. Much later in the year I should be able to discuss those other two books.
Please be aware that all of the above manuscript titles are working titles only, and may be changed to suit marketing purposes by UNP.
Henry Heatherbank Member
Posts: 322 From: Adelaide, South Australia Registered: Apr 2005
posted 02-19-2021 01:01 AM
Colin, thanks for the update, these all look tantalising.
What will the Al Worden book cover that "Falling to Earth" did not? With some exceptions, it is rare to find separate astronaut biographies by the same author that don't massively overlap and double-up. Are you able to give us the "elevator pitch" for this second book?
ColinBurgess Member
Posts: 2153 From: Sydney, Australia Registered: Sep 2003
posted 02-19-2021 04:57 AM
All I can say at this time is that this is a completely different and very personal book. It is not an autobiography like "Falling to Earth" and without authority from Francis I can only refer you to the subtitle of the book.
Beyond that, I have read the entire manuscript but I'm not at liberty to reveal anything more about it, although I expect there will be some publicity coming out sometime soon. But I can definitely say it is something to look forward to reading.
mrspacehead Member
Posts: 46 From: Registered: Jun 2017
posted 02-19-2021 12:52 PM
Thanks for the update Colin! You just made my day.
I remember during Al Worden's lecture at Spacefest in 2016 he asked the audience if he and Francis French should write another book. I guess they finally did! I'm eagerly looking forward to it (along with every other book you mentioned!)
DavidH Member
Posts: 1274 From: Huntsville, AL, USA Registered: Jun 2003
posted 03-04-2021 08:41 AM
Just wanted to pass along that there's another Outward Odyssey author panel scheduled for April 10, celebrating the 40th anniversary of STS-1. Info is here.
FFrench Member
Posts: 3294 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 03-25-2021 10:15 PM
quote:Originally posted by Henry Heatherbank: What will the Al Worden book cover that "Falling to Earth" did not?
Henry, I just saw your question here. I think you'll be in for a pleasant surprise.
DavidH Member
Posts: 1274 From: Huntsville, AL, USA Registered: Jun 2003
posted 04-06-2021 11:10 AM
With Saturday's panel (info two posts up) just days away, several of the Outward Odyssey authors contributed to a UNP blog post, "Remembering STS-1."
DavidH Member
Posts: 1274 From: Huntsville, AL, USA Registered: Jun 2003
posted 04-14-2021 12:55 PM
If anyone's interested, the video from Saturday's panel of Outward Odyssey authors about the 40th anniversary of STS-1 is now online:
Also, while it's been mentioned in their book-specific threads, I'll note that new series additions The Light of Earth, by Al Worden and Francis French, and A Long Voyage to the Moon, by Geoffrey Bowman, are now available for preorder, as is the paperback of Bold They Rise.
dom Member
Posts: 1072 From: Registered: Aug 2001
posted 04-15-2021 04:14 PM
Great discussion, I enjoyed that a lot.
ColinBurgess Member
Posts: 2153 From: Sydney, Australia Registered: Sep 2003
posted 04-17-2021 08:20 PM
Despite the hardships we have all endured over the past year or so, there is always some reason to celebrate certain events. It may not exactly be a 21st birthday celebration, but by the end of this year, with the arrival of Geoffrey Bowman's "A Long Voyage to the Moon" and Francis French's "The Light of Earth", everyone associated with the Outward Odyssey series will be marking the publication of 21 books in total since the first books were released back in 2007.
For my part, while still being totally amazed at the ongoing success of the series, which was originally going to comprise of just eight books, I am most proud of the fact that the vast majority of the authors are "first-timers", and we have established a whole new cadre of spaceflight writers who will continue to record and memorialise our first steps out into the universe. And of course a huge thanks to Robert Pearlman, as collectSPACE has played a most significant role in how this series came about and has since flourished. I would also like to thank every one of the collectSPACE readers and contributors who have so strongly supported the Outward Odyssey series over all those years. I can assure you it will continue.
There may be some more possible good news associated with this amazing anniversary that I will reveal if it comes to pass. But for now, a sincere thank you to all of you.
x15gal Member
Posts: 59 From: Lake Forest, CA, USA Registered: Nov 2010
posted 04-18-2021 12:24 PM
It has always been a great honor to be part of the Outward Odyssey series. After our presentation and panel discussion on the 40th anniversary of the first flight of the Space Shuttle, I created a poster that includes all 21 books in the Outward Odyssey series.
Kite Member
Posts: 1124 From: Northampton UK Registered: Nov 2009
posted 04-27-2021 02:18 PM
Thank you all so much for the latest virtual meeting which I was unable to watch live. A great discussion on all aspects of the Space Shuttle and of course the first flight of STS-1. My own recollection of it is mainly of the superb landing it made on its return, such a contrast to the previous splash downs.
This series of books is amazing and to witness some of the authors talking about their own experiences of space flight is enthralling as well as entertaining. Although I have only met one of you (Geoffrey) it seems like I am with old friends when settling down to watch and listen to you, Thanks again.
posted 02-05-2022 09:25 PM
Colin, in light of yesterday's announcement of Christopher Roosa's upcoming book (I'm really excited for that by the way!), are there any updates for the other upcoming books in the series? I think we usually do one of these around this time of year.
ColinBurgess Member
Posts: 2153 From: Sydney, Australia Registered: Sep 2003
posted 02-05-2022 09:44 PM
There's not a great deal of difference to the list I supplied (above) in February last year, although the author of one of the unannounced books has decided his manuscript just isn't going to work as he'd hoped and we have mutually decided to scrub his contract. Better to have no book than one the author didn't feel was up to his usual high standard.
There is another book on the history of spaceflight participants/space tourists that is currently being researched and worked on by two authors with names well known on collectSPACE, but it is too early at this stage to give any details.
Apart from those nothing else is in the pipeline, but as with the Christopher Roosa book, something usually and unexpectedly crosses my desk for consideration. There is still plenty for UNP to work on for at least the next three or so years.
DavidH Member
Posts: 1274 From: Huntsville, AL, USA Registered: Jun 2003
posted 12-07-2022 01:19 PM
In honor of the recent Artemis I launch (and with today's Apollo 17 anniversary in mind), several of the Outward Odyssey authors have contributed to a post on the UNP blog: Reflections on NASA’s Artemis 1 Launch.
DavidH Member
Posts: 1274 From: Huntsville, AL, USA Registered: Jun 2003
posted 02-24-2023 08:50 AM
The latest episode of the Space & Things podcast is an interview with Colin Burgess, initially about his latest Soviets in Space book, but also with a lengthy discussion of the Outward Odyssey series, talking about both its history and future. It's an interesting listen.
DavidH Member
Posts: 1274 From: Huntsville, AL, USA Registered: Jun 2003
posted 04-11-2023 05:59 PM
With permission from Colin – since collectSPACE was the birthplace of my involvement with the Outward Odyssey series all those years ago, I wanted this to be the first place for it to be announced that I'm joining the three(+) timer's club with Jay, Colin and Francis. We just finalized the contract today for my third entry in the series, with a manuscript due date of next September. Working title: "Rocket Science: Ares I-X and a New Era in Deep Space Exploration"
posted 04-30-2020 02:48 PM
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