Discover the entire story of humankind's efforts in space exploration, from the earliest theories of the universe to the captivating successes and advances - as well as the heartbreaking setbacks - of the past fifty years.  Filled with hundreds of satellite images, photographs from NASA, technical charts, and newly commissioned maps, the Smithsonian Atlas of Space Exploration illuminates in stunning color each moment of our adventure into orbit.

Published in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, the world's leading authority on aviation and space, this is the ultimate illustrated account of the past, present, and future of space exploration.