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Author Topic:   Moon Bound (Colin Burgess)
cspg
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From: Geneva, Switzerland
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posted 03-07-2012 01:11 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for cspg   Click Here to Email cspg     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Moon Bound: Choosing and Preparing NASA's Lunar Astronauts
by Colin Burgess
Often lost in the shadow of the first group of astronauts for the Mercury missions, the second and third groups included the leading figures for NASA's activities for the following two decades. “Destination Moon” complements the author’s recently published work, “Selecting the Mercury Seven” (2011), extending the story of the men who helped to launch human spaceflight and broaden the American space program.

Although the initial 1959 group became known as the legendary pioneering Mercury astronauts, the astronauts of Groups 2 and 3 gave us many household names. Sixteen astronauts from both groups traveled to the Moon in Project Apollo, with several actually walking on the Moon, one of them being Neil Armstrong.

This book draws on interviews to tell the astronauts' personal stories and recreate the drama of that time. It describes the process by which they were selected as astronauts and explains how the criteria had changed since the first group. “Destination Moon” is divided into two parts, recounting the biographies relating to the nine astronauts from NASA’s Group 2 in the first part, and the fourteen finalists in Group 3 in the second part.

The stories of both selection groups are narrated through the experiences of four finalists with interesting backgrounds. One of these men is Al Rupp of the USAF who, as a West Point cadet, cheekily helped to steal the Navy mascot goat prior to the annual Army versus Navy game in 1953, thus achieving legendary status in the game’s history. Rupp was killed in a plane crash just two years after being named as a finalist for Group 3. The service career of naval aviator John Yamnicky was also very much the equal of other finalists, but he was killed on September 11, 2001, as a he was a passenger on hijacked Flight 77, which was flown into the Pentagon.

At the end of the work there are several chapters on how these candidates were prepped for their missions.

ColinBurgess
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From: Sydney, Australia
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posted 03-08-2012 05:34 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for ColinBurgess   Click Here to Email ColinBurgess     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
It was something of a natural after putting together the Mercury book that I would go beyond the first group of astronauts and relate the story of the selection of the second and third groups. It was quite a daunting task in the planning, however, as there were 32 finalists in the Mercury process, whereas there were (also) 32 finalists in the second group and 34 in the third. That meant a lot of people to locate, contact and convince them to share their stories.

I'm delighted to report that several months after beginning this new book project, I have now made contact with all the non-selected candidates from both groups, or their surviving family members, and I am down to writing the last few short biographies in cooperation with them. As with the first book, all the finalists will have their stories told and photographs featured in the book. And there are some pretty amazing stories among them.

I believe I might be able to bring that release date forward, as that is based on a manuscript submission of March 2013, and with the current rate of progress I should have the manuscript ready for sumission by around September this year. We shall see.

So save up your pennies; unfortunately Springer Books are not exactly low-priced publications.

RockyMnWay
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From: Westminster, CO, USA
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posted 03-08-2012 08:09 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for RockyMnWay   Click Here to Email RockyMnWay     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks Colin! I look forward to this one. I really have enjoyed "Selecting the Mercury Seven" and can't wait for this one.

dog320
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From: West Sussex, United Kingdom
Registered: Jul 2010

posted 03-08-2012 10:40 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for dog320     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Mr. Burgess, I really look forward to this, even more than your Mercury book. If I may be so bold, there are a couple of particular questions I'd love to see answered if possible.

Firstly, for both the group two and group three selections, from the point of view of the successful candidates, did either or both selections have an applicant that all the others were 'sure' would be selected and somehow 'inexplicably' wasn't?

Secondly, in view of the tragic circumstances of his demise, and many subsequent on the record comments, a more detailed look at Mr. See's flying record would be interesting. Oh, and why was Mr. Gordon not selected in Group 2?

I know, I can't count! All sensitively handled of course, I know that I wouldn't want my flying/service records discussed in public.

ColinBurgess
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posted 03-09-2012 12:42 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for ColinBurgess   Click Here to Email ColinBurgess     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
It's a little too early in the research process to properly answer most of your questions, as I am mostly putting together all the biographies at this time and haven't gone into too many specifics or stories surrounding their candidacy. I'll be asking some more probing questions once all of the profiles have been written and approved by the men or their surviving family members.

The reason for putting together all the biographies and gathering photographs of them from the outset is simply because they are no longer the proverbial spring chickens, and I feel it's important to get this done first, then ask questions about their astronaut candidacy and their fellow finalists once that has been completed.

One of the Group 3 finalists passed away last November before I was able to contact him (his son is now helping) which explains why I like to get the basic information down first.

There have been a few interesting asides about some of their fellow candidates, but these will be disclosed in the book. So far no one has hinted at anyone being a shoo-in for either group, or expressed surprised at anyone being excluded.

Insofar as Elliot See is concerned, don't expect to see too much about him in this book. With 64 finalists in total I am restricted in how much information I can insert. However I can direct you to an earlier book of mine, "Fallen Astronauts," in which a full chapter discusses the lives, service and flying careers, achievements and deaths of Elliot See and Charlie Bassett. With that information available in a book by the same publisher, there is little point in repeating See's story at length.

I haven't yet spoken to Dick Gordon about why he didn't make it the first time 'round, and had to wait for Group 3 selection. I know that several finalists bombed out because they simply hadn't achieved the high educational, flight and technical training required by NASA to that point in their careers. I will be asking several of the Group 2 and 3 astronauts at Spacefest IV in May/June for a few insights I can use in the book.

Sorry to have been so non-specific in my response, but there is still a long research path ahead of me at this stage of the endeavour.

dog320
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posted 03-09-2012 04:38 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for dog320     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks very much, I didn't expect any information at this stage! I'd better chase up "Fallen Astronauts". Good luck again with the book.

ColinBurgess
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From: Sydney, Australia
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posted 07-04-2012 05:58 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ColinBurgess   Click Here to Email ColinBurgess     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
A progress report on this new book. It is now basically completed in manuscript form and will be sent off to the copyeditor, as arranged, in five weeks.

I'm delighted to say that I not only conducted interviews with several Group 2 and 3 astronauts (mostly at Spacefest IV - thank you Kim and Sally), but the non-selected finalists from both groups or their family members all gave me enthusiastic support and assistance, allowing me to complete their short biographies as well as supplying me with wonderful information about the selection process in which they were involved.

As the manuscript was originally contracted for submission in March next year, I will have to advise the new, earlier release date once it is known to me.

ColinBurgess
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From: Sydney, Australia
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posted 08-22-2012 03:35 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ColinBurgess   Click Here to Email ColinBurgess     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The manuscript and photos for this book have now been shipped off for copyediting, and it should be released sometime early next year. I will advise when a publication date becomes available.

Kite
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posted 08-22-2012 04:30 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Kite     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Really looking forward to its publication Colin.

ColinBurgess
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posted 11-18-2012 05:25 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ColinBurgess   Click Here to Email ColinBurgess     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'm very pleased to report that the editing and indexing stages for this book are now at an end. My editor for this book, as with the earlier volume on the selection of the Mercury astronauts, was the fabulous David Harland, who did an amazing job on a difficult book. The page proofs are now going for final edit changes, and from there it will be shipped off to the printers, but probably not until sometime early in the New Year. I will give a release date as soon as it is known to me, but this will likely be sometime in the Spring.

Three more planned books are now in the pipeline, but I will have more details once they have been formally accepted for publication.

ColinBurgess
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From: Sydney, Australia
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posted 11-18-2012 06:39 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ColinBurgess   Click Here to Email ColinBurgess     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by dog320:
Oh, and why was Mr. Gordon not selected in Group 2?
I did indeed interview Dick Gordon at Spacefest IV as to why he didn't make it into Group 2 along with his mate Pete Conrad, and he answered with a lot of candour. When I sent him the draft I had put together based on the interview he said he had raised some personal demons he maybe should not have, but he nevertheless approved it with his full blessing.

Surprisingly, he was also hoping to become a member of the Mercury group in 1959, but was not called to the Pentagon briefing sessions due to a suspected medical ailment. So lots to anticipate!

hermit
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posted 11-23-2012 02:10 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for hermit   Click Here to Email hermit     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by ColinBurgess:
... the fabulous David Harland

Definitely!

benfairfax
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posted 11-25-2012 09:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for benfairfax   Click Here to Email benfairfax     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I can't wait for this book Colin. Keep them coming.

cspg
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posted 02-06-2013 07:00 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for cspg   Click Here to Email cspg     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Due in October 2013, it was first moved to July and now it is March! Usually it's the other way round!

ColinBurgess
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From: Sydney, Australia
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posted 02-06-2013 11:13 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ColinBurgess   Click Here to Email ColinBurgess     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Chris, that's what happens when an author works darned hard and submits the completed manuscript six months ahead of the due date.

crash
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posted 02-07-2013 08:16 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for crash   Click Here to Email crash     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I cannot wait to get the book and read it. My fingers are crossed for a hardcover edition.

Philip
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posted 02-07-2013 08:33 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Philip   Click Here to Email Philip     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Yet another superb title Colin... I enjoyed reading "Australian Astronauts" and "Into that Silent Sea."

garymilgrom
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posted 02-07-2013 10:42 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for garymilgrom   Click Here to Email garymilgrom     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Looking forward to another great book. Thanks Colin.

ColinBurgess
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posted 03-15-2013 05:28 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ColinBurgess   Click Here to Email ColinBurgess     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Following a message from Springer Books (New York) this morning, I'm obviously delighted to announce that this book has now been published and is available either directly from the publisher or through the usual retail sources.

DChudwin
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posted 03-18-2013 09:06 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for DChudwin   Click Here to Email DChudwin     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Colin, congratulations on the publishing of your latest contribution to space history. It is important to get the stories of these individuals before they pass away.

hermit
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From: Scotland
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posted 03-26-2013 09:06 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for hermit   Click Here to Email hermit     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I just received a copy from Springer, and it looks good.

ColinBurgess
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From: Sydney, Australia
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posted 03-26-2013 05:23 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ColinBurgess   Click Here to Email ColinBurgess     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Yesterday I received my first copies of the book and it really is a very nice, smart-looking presentation. Again, many thanks to everyone at collectSPACE who assisted in so many ways with making this book a reality.

divemaster
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posted 04-12-2013 10:18 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for divemaster   Click Here to Email divemaster     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'm glad to receive my copy of "Moon Bound". It is a very interesting book.

I really like the behind the scenes information - and am finally glad that the Walt Cunningham #14 story is finally out. Even funnier when Walt tells it.

David C
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Posts: 1410
From: Lausanne
Registered: Apr 2012

posted 05-18-2013 10:29 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for David C     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Colin has produced a very interesting book. It was particularly great to get an introduction to some of the other outstanding candidates, most of whom I'd heard little or nothing of before.

Personally I'd have preferred more of a one person to each chapter approach to avoid having to jump around. It is, however, very well indexed.

Some parts surprised me a lot. I was amazed to find not one word about Bob Smith's outstanding work on the Lockheed NF-104A AST. Surely that can't be. I must have somehow missed it?

I was surprised to find no mention of Jim McDivitt turning down both the X-15 and the X-20.

But I was no less that stunned to read paragraph 10 of chapter 7 (page 202, discussing Ed Dwight). If that quote attributed to Chuck Yeager can be proved and is not just hearsay, it is apalling and would bring the USAF itself into disrepute. It has other implications that almost don't bear thinking about. Unfortunately the evidence for this quote is not clearly cited.

Overall, interesting book, but I get the impression that Colin has only just scratched the surface.

ColinBurgess
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posted 05-19-2013 06:58 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for ColinBurgess   Click Here to Email ColinBurgess     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
David, I did try to be meticulous in citing sources for all the material in "Moon Bound," but after a check following your message I note that this was one instance where I failed to do so.

This material came from a report filed by (black) investigative reporter Charles L. Sanders, who related a hostile confrontation between Ed Dwight and Chuck Yeager as recalled for him by Dwight.

You can find much more than the part I quoted in the excellent 1994 book, "They Had a Dream" by J. Alfred Phelps, and in fact I left out far more material from what Sanders wrote that I deemed to be far too controversial and therefore highly unsuitable for my book.

David C
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From: Lausanne
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posted 05-19-2013 01:28 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for David C     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks Colin. I've just ordered a copy, but I'm not too sure I'll enjoy reading it. Still, I'm interested in history not myth.

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