In this definitive study, J. D. Hunley traces the program's 
development from Goddard's early rockets (and the German V-2 
missile) through the Titan IVA and the Space Shuttle, with a focus on 
space-launch vehicles. Since these rockets often evolved from early 
missiles, he pays considerable attention to missile technology, not 
as an end in itself, but as a contributor to launch-vehicle technology.

    Focusing especially on the engineering culture of the program, 
Hunley communicates this very human side of technological 
development by means of anecdotes, character sketches, and case 
studies of problems faced by rocket engineers. He shows how such 
a highly adaptive approach enabled the evolution of a hugely 
complicated technology that was impressive—but decidedly not 
rocket science.

    Unique in its single-volume coverage of the evolution of launch-
vehicle technology from 1926 to 1991, this meticulously 
researched work will inform scholars and engineers interested in 
the history of technology and innovation, as well as those 
specializing in the history of space flight.

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J. D. HUNLEY's career as a historian has focused on the history 
of aerospace technology. He was named a Ramsey Fellow at the 
National Air and Space Museum for 2001–2002 after serving in 
history programs for both NASA and the U.S. Air Force. He holds a 
Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. Now semiretired, he continues 
to write about the history of America's space program.


Number Seventeen: Centennial of Flight Series