First on the Moon: The Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Experience

By Rod Pyle and Buzz Aldrin

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking Apollo 11 mission, this lavishly illustrated book—featuring stunning photographs and many rarely seen images and documents—tells the incredible story of the first men on the Moon.

Acclaimed science author Rod Pyle (Missions to the Moon) returns with a beautiful and insightful book commemorating Apollo 11. First on the Moon offers an exciting behind-the-scenes look at America’s journey to the Moon—from the space race to the landing on the Sea of Tranquility to splashdown on Earth and the aftermath. Pyle spent years combing NASA archives and private collections for memorabilia from the mission, and the book includes everything from accessible explanations of the enormous challenges facing NASA to reproductions of original 1969 documents. It also features a number of specially commissioned photocompositions created from NASA Apollo images released in 2015. Many were parts of photomontages taken by the astronauts, and these compositions have now been carefully restored to their originally intended montage formats. With compelling firsthand accounts and a gripping narrative, this gorgeously designed volume fully immerses readers in the Space Age. Includes a foreword by Buzz Aldrin, and exclusive interviews with the adult children of the Apollo 11 astronauts.

[front flap]
On July 20, 1969, the first major event in hundreds of millions of years was about to occur on the Sea of Tranquility. A tiny spacecraft had a short while ago ignited its rocket engine, and was plunging toward the cratered expanse. Above that, a small companion spacecraft, crewed by a lone astronaut, orbited overhead, awaiting the return of two brave explorers. After nine years of crushing effort, Apollo 11 had arrived at the Moon.
 
From acclaimed science writer Rod Pyle, this beautiful and insightful book commemorates the Apollo 11 mission from its origins through the aftermath, coinciding with the fiftieth anniversary of that momentous event. Pyle has spent years combing NASA archives and private collections for documents and memorabilia from the mission, including previously unpublished materials.

Pyle tells the incredible story of America’s journey to the Moon with a gripping narrative that wrings tension from history, compelling firsthand accounts, and stunning images. He explores the origins of spaceflight, the selection of the astronauts, the Mercury and Gemini programs, the development cycle of the lunar module, the first landing on and exploration of the Moon, reentry and recovery on Earth, and more. This book also includes exclusive interviews with the adult children of the Apollo 11 astronauts, recalling their experiences and their fathers’ impressions.

From accessible explanations of the enormous challenges facing NASA to reproductions of original 1969 documents, First on the Moon will fully immerse you in the heart of the Space Age.

[back flap]
Rod Pyle is a prolific science writer and historian who has written extensively on the United States space program. A writer for the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, he has authored thirteen books on spaceflight and history, including Destination Moon and Missions to the Moon, and is a frequent speaker at conferences focused on science, technology, and innovation. Pyle Has written and produced numerous science documentaries, including Modern Marvels: Apollo 11 for the History Channel.
He created an experiential learning program based on the leadership and management of the Apollo program for the Johnson Space Center, is heard frequently on national radio, and hosts the “Cool Space News” podcast on iHeart Radio. Pyle is the senior editor for Ad Astra, a publication of the National Space Society. His numerous media appearances include PBS, NPR, and the Washington Post.
<

• Language: English
• Publisher: Union Square & Co.
• Release date: Apr 2, 2019
• ISBN: 9781454932406