Blast Off to the Moon!

Produced in association with British Interplanetary Society and NASA. Introduction by the first British Astronaut and woman to visit Mir Space Station, Helen Sharman.

Tim Peake is quoted on the front cover as saying, “Packed with fun facts and information, Blast Off to the Moon tells the thrilling story of humankind’s greatest achievement. It will delight young, and not so young, space enthusiasts alike.”

In the introduction, Helen Sharman, our first Briton to travel to space, suggests dipping into this book rather than reading it cover to cover. The book begins with details of the mission to the moon, readers meeting the three selected astronauts, Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins. There is description of their intensive training, the lead up to the launch and then the chapter headed, “THE WORLD HOLDS ITS BREATH… On the 16th July 1969 at 9-32a.m. the Saturn V launched the three astronauts on their epic journey to the moon.” The book continues to tell what life was like on board; what they ate, how they slept, how they went to the toilet, what work they had to do….. and so much more. It is based on the original NASA Press Kit and is full of exclusive never before seen content from the BIS archives. Certainly I did as Helen Sharman suggested, turning each page until I reached the end of the book, browsing through the pictures and photographs, and reading some captions. I wanted to know how the three returned to earth safely, despite the prepared announcement of their expected fate, to stay on the moon and rest in peace.

This is an extraordinary book, accessible to all, and should have the widest of ownership. It has been put together in such a way that invites the youngest of readers to become fascinated by the whole idea of space. It is full of reverential but honest and factual information which can only leave readers in awe of these three men in particular, but also of all the enormous number of scientists who worked tirelessly for success towards this incredible achievement. BLAST OFF TO THE MOON should be in multiple copies in every library, every school and in all homes where families are determined to have a thirst for knowledge both for themselves and their offspring. A book full of awe and wonder. Let us be thrilled! Most highly recommended.