Examining popular
images that have helped motivate the most ambitious civil space program in the
world, McCurdy argues that the spacefaring dream tapped into several of
America's most deeply rooted cultural ideals. He also explains how space
advocates, playing on the public's Cold War fears, convinced politicians that
control of space meant control of the earth. He also contends that the gaps
between expectations and reality led to public policy obligated to entertain
as well as inform. 43 photos.
