It is easy to forget that Russia sent the first ever man into space. The USA's NASA program has always had a higher profile than Russia's attempts to go beyond ... » 

It is easy to forget that Russia sent the first ever man into space. The USA's NASA program has always had a higher profile than Russia's attempts to go beyond our world.This fascinating text, though, concentrates on Russian space exploration. It is aimed at space enthusiasts, professionals working in the space industry, journalists covering space issues and space historians.Here, fifty years after Sputnik, is the definitive book on this subject. The author covers all the key elements of the current Russian space program, including both manned and unmanned missions.You'll also find discussion of the commercialization of the program and its relationship with western companies. «