Blueprint for Space: Science Fiction to Science Fact

by Frederick Ira Ordway III, Randy Liebermann (Editor)

Traces the history of people's fantasies of space travel, from cave drawings, to the the Apollo II moon landing, and beyond, with contributing thoughts from astronauts, historians, science fiction writers, and scientists

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 17, 1992

About the author

Frederick Ira Ordway III was an American space scientist and author of visionary books on spaceflight. As scientific consultant, he was part of the production team of the epic science fiction film 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Reviews

[Joan]

Science fiction becomes science fact as astronauts, historians, and science fiction writers explore humanity’s yearning for the stars and how that longing became fact. From the earliest pictographs, rockets, and submarines to science fiction and Apollo lunar landings, “Blueprint for Space” examines how imaginary plans became blueprints for working spacecraft and the science fiction writers’ imagination became science fact.

Contributors include science fiction writers Ben Bova and Arthur C. Clarke, astronauts Michael Collins and Sally Ride, and rocket expert Wernher von Braun. From a vision of spaceflight to contemplation about what comes next, this unique look at the ties between science fiction and science fact is sure to appeal to readers of both worlds.

Highly recommended.