Spacefaring: The Human Dimension - Tapa dura

"Drawing on both recent developments and classic 'space lore,' Harrison takes his readers on a refreshingly human-level odyssey through the still-widely-unknown challenges and opportunities that await us in a future off our home planet." - James Oberg, author of Red Star in Orbit "Spacefaring addresses in a powerful, cogent, and scholarly manner topics long ignored or swept aside in official reports and planning documents about space flight.... A good, powerful, and needed work." - Edgar Mitchell, astronaut. Apollo 14 "A roadmap to the future for teachers preparing students to live and work in space." - Don Scott, NASA educator "As a leading psychologist dealing with the human side of spaceflight, the author brings unique, somewhat philosophical, insights into the offworld experience of our species." - Philip R. Harris, author of Living and Working in Space "An enjoyable, informative look at what living and working in space will really be like in the decades to come. Harrison explores the often unappreciated interaction of human psyche and technology in an environment filled with danger, challenge, and opportunity. A great read for space professionals or anyone interested in the future of our species as we expand into the 'final frontier.' " - Patricia Santy, former NASA flight surgeon and author of Choosing the Right Stuff: The Psychological Selection of Astronauts and Cosmonauts"

The stars have always called us, but only since the 1960s have we been able to respond by travelling in space. This book explores the human side of spaceflight: why people are willing to brave danger and hardship to go into space; how human culture has shaped past and present missions; and the effects of space travel on health and well-being. A comprehensive treatment of its subject, this book combines statistical studies, rich case histories, and anecdotal detail as it investigates the phenomenon of humans in space - from the earliest spaceflights to the missions of tomorrow. Drawing from a strong research base in the behavioural sciences, Harrison covers such topics as habitability, crew selection and training, coping with stress, group dynamics, accidents, and more. In addition to taking a close look at spacefarers themselves, "Spacefaring" reviews the broad organizational and political contexts that shape human progress toward the heavens. With the ongoing construction of the International Space Station, the human journey to the stars continues, and this book will surely help guide the way.