GEMINI

Steps to the Moon

with Foreword by Tom Stafford

former NASA astronaut

In May 1961, President John F. Kennedy promised the American people that there would be a manned Moon landing by the end of the decade - but at this time the longest that any astronaut had spent in space was 15 minutes. In his speech, Kennedy spoke of the mammoth efforts needed to achieve this goal, in commitment, funds and technology.

Gemini: Steps to the Moon is the story of the second phase of that effort, from the perspective of the engineers, flight controllers and astronauts who were involved. It follows the development of the program from its earliest days to the splashdown of the final mission in November 1966. David Shayler documents the growing mastery of the essential challenges of extended duration flight, rendezvous and docking, spacewalking and the creation of an experienced team of astronauts and flight controllers.

Drawing upon air-to-ground commentary, as well as interviews and personal recollections, the 'bridge to Apollo' is constructed chapter by exciting chapter.

Related titles on the Gemini programme, by Dave Shayler.