Philip's Essential Guide to Space takes the reader on a beautifully illustrated and informative journey from the earliest beginnings of rockets and artificial satellites, through the first manned space missions, and on to the latest space probes venturing out into the farthest reaches of the Solar System and the observatories in space that are delving deeper into the origins of the Universe. Author Paul Sutherland describes the early attempts to build rockets in order to propel artificial satellites into Earth orbit for the first time, and examines the difficulties that were overcome in order to launch humans into orbit and on to the Moon. In time, advances in technology led to the construction and operation of the International Space Station. The Sun and the planets are examined in turn, reflecting on the orbiters and landers that have provided a wealth of information. Looking beyond our Solar System to distant galaxies and other deep-sky objects, Paul describes the missions and space observatories that are working to expand our knowledge of black holes, supernova remnants and gamma-ray bursts, as well as the discovery of other planetary systems.

Includes index.

Introducing the universe -- Leaving the Earth -- Destination Moon -- Exploring our neighbours -- Making space home -- Exploring the outer solar system -- Gazing in to the universe -- Future space exploration.