RESCUE IN SPACE: Lifeboats for Astronauts and Cosmonauts

by Erik Bergaust ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 20, 1974

Should future astronauts become lost (or stranded or disabled) in space, Bergaust expects that the U.S. and the Soviet Union, by a 1972 Nixon-Kosygin agreement reprinted here, will come to their aid via any of a number of rescue systems now in the drawing board or testing stage. Though admitting that the projected base-launched and self rescue devices -- space shuttle, life raft cocoons, bail-up and ""buddy"" systems -- would be useless against many of the close calls, mishaps, failures and breakdowns (not to mention the two known fatal incidents) he points out in the space program's history to date, Bergaust deplores the previous total reliance on backup systems and the dismissal of rescue craft as too expensive. His approach here is less promotional than in his previous reports on space and military programs, though the waning interest -- both official and juvenile -- in NASA's exploits makes this an extra. Illustrated with photos; four-page chart on ""fate of manned space flights to date"" appended.

Pub Date: Aug. 20, 1974

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 95

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1974

Categories: NONFICTION