294 pgs, 1997, Smithsonian Institution
ISBN 978-1560984450

McCurdy measures the achievements of America's space program against the fantastic visions and popular images of space exploration, rooted in its cultural notions of heroic explorers, Cold War fears and limitless frontiers. He investigates how imagination shaped public attitudes and policy, citing the roles of scientists and sci-fi writers in heightening expectations for space exploration. The book is illustrated with black and white photographs from NASA as well as from popular media.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Prelude: The Exploration Ideal
2. Making Space Flight Seem Real
3. The Cold War
4. Apollo: The Aura of Competence
5. Mysteries of Life
6. The Extraterrestrial Frontier
7. Stations in Space
8. Spacecraft
9. Life on Earth