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Though most of us seldom notice the presence of satellites, we certainly would notice if they were gone. In this, the first history of artificial satellites and their users, Helen Gavaghan show how the idea of putting an object in orbit around the earth changed from science fiction to indispensable technology in the twinkling of an eye. Satellites enable us to send data and images anywhere in the world in an instant. The satellite-based navigational system can pinpoint your exact location anywhere in the world; it is so precise that, from outer space, it can detect the sag on airplane's wing. Focusing on three major areas of development—navigational satellites, communications, and weather observation and forecasting—Gavaghan tells the remarkable inside story of how obscure men and women, often laboring under strict secrecy, made the extraordinary scientific and technological discoveries needed to make these miracles happen. This book is part history—beginning with the Russian-US rivalry over the launch of Sputnik; part politics, as scientists and visionary engineers compete for scarce funding that will bring their dreams to reality; partly the story of the singular and fascinating individuals who were present at the creation of our modern technological era. Combining an impressive range of documentation with a compelling, readable narration, this book tells the hitherto untold story of one of the most important technologies of our time. Helen Gavaghan is a science writer and editor who has lived in Washington and London. She has a degree in Biophysics and a fascination with the world of space. |
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