MEN, ROCKETS AND SPACE RATS

by Lloyd Mallan ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 14, 1955

Mr. Mallan spent time at many of our rocket and Jet testing bases for the material he includes in this lengthy survey of recent activity in these fields. Jaunty, respectful, conversational in style, the narrative delves into much of the testing and actual construction being carried out by the Air Force and by private concerns in connection with government laboratories. Yeager's test flight in the rocket ship when the speed of sound was surpassed, makes a dramatic first chapter. Moving on to the work commission to Bell Aircraft, Mallan cites the hazards and odds against further rocket construction- which were overcome. Problems of fuel and heat were among the most basic and there is good specific reference to types used and the conditions created by each. White Sands Proving Grounds, Thorp Walker and the Aerobee, the amazing acceleration and decelation tests endured by Col. Stapp, the research balloons- these are the highlights of some of the further chapters, all of which add up to a fairly well rounded view of incipient space flight. Possibilities for actual space flight are reliably discussed in a last question and answer session with some prominent scientists.

Pub Date: Nov. 14, 1955

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Messner

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1955

Categories: NONFICTION