Britain's Buoyant Blast Into Space

History of British Space Science. Harrie Massey and MO. Robins. Cambridge University Press, New York, 1986. 420 pp. $89.50. Britain has always had a wealth of scientific talent. The research activities of these able minds have kept the United Kingdom at the forefront of many of the major scientific and technological advances of recent decades. This is particularly true in space science. Historically, World War II played a catalytic role in these research activities. One man, Professor Sir Harri

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Historically, World War II played a catalytic role in these research activities. One man, Professor Sir Harrie Massey FRS, was to be the architect for the U.K. space program for the next 30 years until his untimely death in November 1983. Sir Harrie was a great man; small in physical stature but without doubt one of the scientific giants of this century. It was through his vision, foresight and determination that so much was achieved in British space science from the 1950s to the 1980s. Now through the eyes of this man and another key player, M.O. Robins, we can learn about this important period of British scientific history. Their book, History of British Space Science, catalogues the developments of this area of scientific and technological application, through the growth of the U.K.'s space activities into the expanding international arenas.

The book opens in 1925, the year that marked the ...

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