A half-century ago, mankind's journey to the stars began with the launch of Sputnik 1. Sir Patrick Moore, the world's most famous amateur astronomer, and space photographer HJP Arnold have combined their talents to chronicle this entire exciting period. Featuring the finest images beautifully reproduced, it relives all the amazing advances and discoveries, from the first manned spaceflight to the first moon landing, from the first Space Shuttle to the first probes that went to the outer planets...and beyond. The engaging text showcases Moore's trademark clarity, simplicity, passion, and authority, and Arnold's photographs capture the drama, scale, majesty, and minutiae of the Universe. Also included: a countdown of the 50 Greatest Ever Space Images as chosen by Arnold.