NASA Missions to Mars: A Visual History of Our Quest to Explore the Red Planet

by Piers Bizony, Andrew Chaikin (Foreword)

Gorgeously illustrated with NASA photography, the large-format (12 × 12 inches) NASA Missions to Mars examines everything from the first tentative steps toward the fourth planet to the 2021 landing of rover Perseverance and beyond.

Space exploration has always been about pushing boundaries, but perhaps the achievement which has most piqued a sense of possibility has been the exploration of Mars. Beginning with Soviet and American flybys in the early 1960s that were part and parcel of the Space Race, acclaimed space historian Piers Bizony continues through complete coverage of the Viking 1 and 2 missions of 1975–1976. Bizony also traces NASA’s acclaimed rover program, describing the development, technologies, mission histories, and achievements of the rovers Sojourner, Opportunity, Spirit, and Curiosity—all on the 25th anniversary of their first landing.

This awe-inspiring book features:
An engaging and complete history of Mars exploration

A treasure trove of imagery from the NASA archives, including photos and cartography beamed home, artworks and concept drawings created during development phases, as well as photography created to document testing phases
A glimpse of future plans for Mars exploration and habitation
Coverage of orbiters sent to the red planet by not only NASA but by space agencies from Russia, India, Japan, Europe, China, and the UAE

A two-sided 24-inch gatefold

Humankind’s fascination with Mars can be traced back to prewar science fiction. While the billions of dollars and ingenious innovations have allowed us incredible views from more than 51 million miles away, no less incredible are the insights these missions, hardware, and scientists have provided into our universe—and our own planet. NASA Missions to Mars is your complete illustrated history of those efforts and a necessary volume for the bookshelf of any space enthusiast!

Genres: Space, Astronomy, Science

196 pages, Hardcover

Published April 12, 2022

About the author

Piers Bizony is a science journalist and space historian who writes for magazines such as Focus and Wired as well as the Independent. His award-winning book on Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey was described as 'full of sparkling enthusiasm' by the New Scientist and 'excellent, in every way worthy of Kubrick's original precision-crafted vision' by the Evening Standard.

Reviews

[Nataliya]

I’ve been a space nerd for a while, and Mars has always seemed extra special. A planet so close and yet so far, a place where we haven’t yet set foot on despite that tantalizing proximity. Sign me up for the next Mars mission, I say — I can grow space potatoes no worse than Mark Watney in Andy Weir’s The Martian!

Until then, at least I have this book, and it’s gorgeous. Big and glossy and even, if I dare say, sexy in its large squareness, it’s full of beautiful Mars photos courtesy of past and present Mars missions as well as a few artistic renderings, movie stills, book illustrations and posters.

“The Mariner and Viking missions really did teach us that the only way to approach Mars is on its own terms. This is not an Earthlike world.”

A wonderful essay by space journalist Andrew Chaikin opens the book, and short introductory essays preface all the chapters in this book — “Red Planet Visions” (fictional imaginings of Mars, Barsoom to Bradbury), “First Contact” (Mariner and Voyager missions), “Robot Explorers” (Mars rovers missions - Pathfinder, Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, Perseverance — and possibility of life on Mars) and “Human Martians” (the ideas behind Mars habitats and spacesuits that can help humans explore Mars).

“A final “faster, better, cheaper” mission, the $125 million Mars Climate Orbiter, failed to reach orbit in September 1999 because of a muddle between metric and imperial measurements in the navigation software.”

Beautiful visual Mars journey, definitely worth it.

5 stars.
—————

Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Motorbooks for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

(Unfortunately the ARC got archived because apparently I don’t pay enough attention to deadlines, but I liked what I saw enough to shell out $$ for a lovely hardback copy, and I don’t regret it in the slightest).

——————
Also posted on my blog.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

NASA Missions to Mars is beautiful historical recount of how space technology has changed over the course of the years. I loved all the artwork included in this book of artist impressions of what the planet looks like and futuristic impressions of how it could be if we visited it and explored it. The photography is so interesting and breathtaking to see. My class would be mesmerised by the photographs alone in this book! I'd love to see this photographs in physical form as I only received an e-copy of this book and the photos blurred as I tried to zoom in on them. There is so much to take away in this book and it was so interesting to see how far we have come in exploring this planet. I hope one day we get to explore this intriguing planet and I hope its within my lifetime. This book is a must for any space enthusiast and collector.

[Carolyn Bragg]

The story begins in 1961 with a young boy, astronomy books, and excitement about the solar system; specifically, Mars. The planet he could see (when he was 15) with a grown-up backyard telescope, that had a pinkish hue.

His books said Mars was the most Earth-like of the planets, and he fell in love with the "planet nextdoor."

By then, the Mariner 4 fly-by provided new but pixilated photos, then with other Mariners, the photos were closer and improved...and changed everything, every four years. Mars was not Earth-like. It was dry and rocky, and "dull" to some. But to this young man, it was even more interesting; he decided to be an astronaut and go to Mars.

The introduction was written by Andrew Chaikin, who never became an astronaut, but had some amazing experiences before becoming a space journalist.

Following the introduction, in section 1, there are posters from movies about Mars, book covers, and drawings, while the world's perceptions changed about whether there was life on Mars, and whether it would be friendly or menacing.

My favorite sections are the beautiful photos of the planet's surface. I had no idea there were so many different types of landscapes, features, and oddities.

Sections 2 and 3 of the text are full of mini goldmines of fascinating information that were a delight to read.

As much as I tried to absorb all of the space science I could while growing up, the only photos I saw of Mars were blurry or rocky. I only had an ebook pdf of this book on my phone for the review, but I spent a lot of time bent over my phone zooming in on the landscapes and photos from the rovers.

That's why I recommend this book so highly. It's primarily about the journey from "then to now," but the book also includes multiple paintings and artist renderings and cut-aways of proposed habitats and machines, and photos of prototype suits. It feels like a three-part lecture with wonderful pictures.

Or, you can just look at the photos of Mars, and marvel. The author hopes this book inspires future scientists, engineers, designers, and others. Maybe humans will visit Mars in person in our lifetime. It would be a dream come true for many, many people.

5/5 Stars and one Red Planet

Thanks to Quarto Publishing and NetGalley for the free preview of the ebook pdf; the review is voluntary.

#NASAMissionstoMars #NetGalley
#RedPlanet #QuartoPublishingGroup
#Motorbooks #Reference #Science #Space #OuterSpace #NASA #MarsLandings

[Leona]

There is something so compelling about the mysterious red planet, it fascinates us and gives humanity something magnificent to aim for. Scientists took up the challenge of learning more about the secrets of Mars decades ago, and their triumphs are celebrated in this visual history of the fourth planet. The photos from the various missions show something desolate and yet stunning, just out of reach documenting just how far technology and therefore, our knowledge of Mars has come. The essay from Andrew Chaikin is a wonderful way to introduce the reader to the wonders continued within the pages

This coffee table book is a must-have for all that look to the sky and wonder what is out there.

I received an early copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

[WorldconReader]

As the title suggests, "NASA Missions to Mars: A Visual History of Our Quest to Explore the Red Planet" by "Piers Bizony" provides a good description of past and future NASA missions to Mars. The prose is engaging, and the extensive illustrations and photographs are incredible. Many of the pictures of the surface of Mars are hauntingly beautiful.

The 200 page book is comprised of four sections. (1) "Red Planet Visions" which some of the more notable fictional descriptions of Mars such as War of the Worlds, Martial Chronicles, and the Barsoom tales. (2) "First Contact" that documents humanity's first space probes to return pictures and other data about Mars. (3) "Robot Explorers" that focuses on robotic missions including the scientific quest to learn about the possibility of life on Mars, and (4) "Human Martians" which describes plans for humans to explore Mars. After a worthy introduction, each of the sections is adorned with vivid illustrations and photographs.

I recommend this book to space enthusiasts. (Many of the pictures are worthy of framing and display!)

I am appreciative to Piers Bizony and the Quarto Publishing Group for kindly providing a temporary electronic review copy of this book.

[James R.]

As a non-technical space fan, I found this book was pitched at a nice level for me. I didn't feel patronised but all the science is understandable and gave just the right level of information to help me understand more about Mars. The book is primarily beautiful pictures and artist's impressions of Mars but is accompanied by short essays about the history and potential future of missions to Mars. There are probably better books for those wanting an in-depth investigation of the challenges involved but I found this book thoroughly enjoyable and finished it feeling optimistic about our prospects of landing a person on Mars within my lifetime.

[Sharon Tyler]

NASA Missions to Mars: A Visual History of Our Quest to Explore the Red Planet by Piers Bizony is full of NASA photography. The large-format book (12 × 12 inches) examines everything from the first tentative steps toward the fourth planet to the 2021 landing of rover Perseverance and beyond. Space exploration has always been about pushing boundaries, but perhaps the achievement which has most piqued a sense of possibility has been the exploration of Mars. Beginning with Soviet and American flybys in the early 1960s that were part and parcel of the Space Race, acclaimed space historian Piers Bizony continues through complete coverage of the Viking 1 and 2 missions of 1975–1976. Bizony also traces NASA’s acclaimed rover program, describing the development, technologies, mission histories, and achievements of the rovers Sojourner, Opportunity, Spirit, and Curiosity—all on the 25th anniversary of their first landing. While the billions of dollars and ingenious innovations have allowed us incredible views from more than 51 million miles away, no less incredible are the insights these missions, hardware, and scientists have provided into our universe—and our own planet.

NASA Missions to Mars is an informative and visually stunning book with images from NASA cameras, works of science fiction, and more. I thought that the text was engaging and did a good job of chronicling the journey to Mars. As one might expect, the information is very much centered on the U.S. efforts and projects on this front, so readers go into the read with that understanding. I think this book hits a nice balance for readers. There is a great deal to learn, enjoy, and simply marvel at here with neither getting too technical for us less technically inclined readers but not so fluffy and light that it falls short of what dedicated space fans will be hoping for. Less dedicated readers can be more that satisfied with the variety of images and their brief captions through out the book if they do not feel compelled to read the informative text. I liked the complete index and the chart of Mars missions by date, but would have liked to see some suggested reading or websites for further information included in the endpages as well. I think this book will be a well loved addition to public libraries, and the personal libraries of space enthusiasts.

[J Earl]

NASA Missions to Mars from Piers Bizony is, as expected, a visual feast. What sets it a bit apart from many coffee table books is just how much good information it contains.

If your main interest is as a large format book for perusal and display, you will be very pleased with this. The photographs and other illustrations are clear and the captions are informative. If, in addition to the visuals you want a book that will offer good reading, this will be even more to your liking. While not extensive or too detailed the text does walk us through the history of our fascination with Mars, from sci-fi to various missions.

This is that coffee table book that certain of your friends will not only flip through but ask to borrow so they can go through it more closely. So be prepared to fill that spot when they go home. In other words, this will be one of your books that might generate discussion among your friends all by itself. What sci-fi do they remember? Who among them followed missions more closely than others? Who, when young, thought about space travel? Okay, that last one will include most everyone.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

Edit: About my ratings, I was asked how I could rate this higher than another book that is "literature." I think that is a fair enough question and I may add an explanation to my profile, but since it was asked almost immediately about this book I will answer it here too. I don't think there is a single "correct" way to rate a book. I won't go into detail here but stick to the specific question. I am rating this book against what I want and expect from a coffee table book, not what I want from a novel or an academic book. Some of my favorite books I may give a 4-star because I think that they were a little short in some aspect even though it may have really resonated with me. Conversely there are books I could take or leave but I gave a 4 or 5 star because I felt they really did what they set out to do very well even if it didn't really grab me. There are limits, of course, but I'll leave discussion of books that may have done what they set out to do but are just plain inaccurate or hate-filled for another time.

[Theediscerning]

When I was a lad Casey Kasem kept telling us to keep our feet on the ground and to keep reaching for the stars. Ever since the Apollo missions, which ended months before I began, we might have sought to reach for a planet at least, but our feet have done his bidding – it's only been robotised wheels that have been anywhere else. Starting with Wells, Bradbury, Art Clarke, et al, and their opinions as to what Mars would show us when we finally got there, this highly pictorial guide to our interaction with the Martian climate, surface and prehistoric waterways and life-forms is a marvellous guide to what we haven't found there, and what we've sent up as preliminaries to what for decades has seemed the inevitable manned adventure.

Early signs that this would be well worth the investment came, perhaps bizarrely, in both the reproduction of old sci-fi periodicals covers – and enlargements of the original, unlettered artwork. It just didn't seem that common a thing to find, and proof that here were pictorial researchers with some nous and clout and other things with the same vowel combination. The remaining chapters suitably go from our expectations to the early fly-bys and first landers, then the more successful wheeled drones, added to in 2021 by a baby flying drone. We end of course with the aspects of concern for humans to make their way there, too.

Each chapter is then heralded by a short essay, but after that is picture after picture after picture, all with decent and concise captions. So no this might not suit every academic mind, but visually this remains most impressive. It's so easy to imagine the campus dorms flooded, not with Mandelbrot sets as they once were, but with the almost as bizarre top-down images of Martian dune fields. From mission concept art then to robotic selfies taken during landing, this really goes as far as any book can with connecting you with the red planet, and giving you an insight to what little exploration we've completed thus far.

[Meredith Martinez]

(4.5/5) This is a gorgeous coffee table book! As guest essayist Andy Chaikin says in his Introduction to Mars, "I fell in love with the world next door." Short essays comprise the beginning of each chapter, followed by simply GORGEOUS images of Mars. The 4 chapters cover (1) our initial perceptions of Mars from telescope images to Mars' depiction in science fiction over the years; (2) our initial discoveries of Mars based on the initial missions to the planet; (3) our continued journeys to the red planet to search for life and develop a deeper geological understanding of the planet with better technology; and (4) what future missions to Mars might comprise and how humans might play a direct role in Martian exploration. Because this focuses on NASA missions, it's very US-centric, which is to be expected. There were a couple of images that I think might have benefitted from a scale bar, but since this is a non-academic book, I can't fault them for that. This collection of images and essays has definitely given me a deeper appreciation for Mars and the potential scientific discoveries it might hold!

This book comes out April 12!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Robert Lewis]

This is primarily a book of photographs and illustrations depicting all aspects of Mars and our attempts, thus far, at exploring the alien world. Written interludes are sparse but interesting, though they'll not provide any new information to the kinds of space nerd who are most likely to be drawn to a book such as this. The photographs, though, are beautifully presented and will be a source of ongoing study and admiration for anyone who purchases a copy.

Though mostly a book of photographs, there is a narrative presented. The book tells us first of early conceptualizations of Mars from Earth-based science and, perhaps equally important, science fiction. We then learn of the various unmanned missions to Mars we've accomplished so far, including the most recent Perseverance rover mission. Finally, we close with artists' renditions and scientists' musings on the possibilities of manned missions to the Red Planet in the future, whether near or distant.

Like much of the space program, this is a fundamentally optimistic book, and it does a great job of capturing the imagination through its images. However, if you're looking for an in-depth history or something a bit more technical, this book may not be what you're looking for. Because of its photographs, it makes a great supplement to any more detailed book on the same subject.

(Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for review. My opinions are my own.)

[Steve]

I enjoyed this book. The photographs and drawings are amazing. There is not a lot of text; this book is almost entirely a visual delight. But the text that's there is clear, conversational, and well written. Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Motorbooks for the digital review copy.

[Lady]

This book was amazing. What I really loved the most was its ratio of text to photographs. Which made me really happy ad it was like a 50/50 mix just perfect. Lots of information and facts to read with fantastic details photographs to back it all up. This meant I could learn loads of things about the history of space missions to Mars right from the very first fly by to present day. This book was utterly fascinating and became totally engrossed in it, I just couldn't put it down. I was even reading it through all my meals that day. It was even harder going to bed as I just wanted to finish it. I really liked all the brilliant quotes. I thoroughly enjoyed the section on Mars travel in films and science fiction books. It covers so much wonderful information about everything you might of wondered about the technology used to travel to the red planet. Including some very eye watering costs. It was simple enough to read without prior knowledge of the subject and the flow was excellent. I definitely recommend you read this if you are interested in the red planet or just want to learn more about the history of space missions.
So much praise goes out to the author and publishers for creating such an interesting and fascinating book that any age could thoroughly enjoy.

[Ietrio]

Bizony is Big Brother's number one fan. At first, I thought the story was about a few government bureaucrats who are trying real hard to paint an optimist story to their outrageous Cold War military spending. Never judge a book by its cover. Bizony thinks your life has been blessed by Big Brother's touch: destructive materials in the sky, spy planes, spy ships, spy satellites, and many projects that lead to nothing.