Alan Stern and David Grinspoon take us behind the scenes of the science, politics, egos and public expectations that fueled the greatest space mission of our time: New Horizons' mission to Pluto.
Dr Alan Stern is Principal Investigator of the New Horizons mission. A planetary scientist, space program executive, aerospace consultant, and author, he has participated in numerous planetary missions. He lives in Colorado. Dr David Grinspoon is an astrobiologist, award-winning science communicator, author, and the inaugural Chair of Astrobiology at the Library of Congress. He is a frequent adviser to NASA on space exploration strategy and lives in lives in Washington, DC.
"Stern and Grinspoon's record of this epic project is thoroughly
captivating... Suffused with serpentine theatrics and scientific
wonder, this is a consistently compelling, top-notch documentation
of intrepid planetary exploration."
--Kirkus *STARRED REVIEW*
"Riveting... a fascinating David versus Goliath story... Even
though we know the final outcome, the story continues to be a
nail-biter... The two authors, with their insider's perspective,
capture the arduous process with great narrative verve."
--Marcia Bartusiak, The Wall Street Journal
"A remarkable new book... told in exhilarating prose that moves
this incredible narrative briskly without getting mired in the tall
weeds of technical jargon.... Stern and Grinspoon take you on an
uplifting, exhilarating, fascinating journey, all without leaving
the comfort and oxygen of our planet."
--Scott Stantis, Chicago Tribune
"An exhilarating trek into the 'wild black yonder'."
--Barbara Kiser, Nature
"A space and science book that reads more like a thriller."
--Andrew Dansby, Houston Chronicle
"Riveting... destined to become a classic of popular science."
--Publishers Weekly "Best Summer Books 2018"
"A thrilling ride."
--Jane Ciabattari, BBC.COM "10 Books to Read in May"
"Riveting."
--Laurel Kornfeld, Spaceflight Insider
"Armchair space explorers and budding scientists will relish this
inspiring aerospace adventure."
--Donna Marie Smith, Library Journal
"Fascinating... Stern and Grinspoon's account will appeal to space
buffs and every fan of high-quality science writing."
--Carl Hays, Booklist
"It's a tale about space science, yes, but it's also a reminder of
what can happen when you refuse to let dreams die."
--Corey S. Powell, DiscoverMagazine.com
"Terrific new book about a terrific spacecraft flying a terrific
mission! Kudos to @AlanStern, the man who gave us back Pluto."
--Jeffrey Kluger (on Twitter, April 25, 2018)
"Fascinating."
--Brendan Byrne, host of Are We There Yet? Podcast
"The two writers know their stuff: Stern is the principal
investigator who led the New Horizon's team to Pluto, and he is
considered a veritable force of nature within the planetary science
community. Grinspoon may well be the most talented science writer
this side of his friend and mentor, the late Carl Sagan.... With an
exciting narrative, loads of planetary astronomy, a heaping helping
of exploration and discovery, and a happy ending, the book seems
destined to be a classic."
--Steven Andrew, Daily Kos
"Chasing New Horizons, using a thriller-writer's you-are-there
narrative style, takes readers on the adventure of Alan Stern's and
his remarkable team's lifetimes... Chasing New Horizons would be a
'great read' if it were fiction. But as a true story, it is
impossible to resist. From the Preface to the 'Final Discovery' of
the Coda and through the Top-Ten Science Discoveries list in the
Appendix, this is a book for science readers to savor."
--Fred Bortz, The Science Shelf
"A truly prodigious book by @AlanStern & David Grinspoon
humankind's first voyage to Pluto. Strongly, even urgently
recommended."
--Homer Hickam, author of October Sky (on Twitter April 30,
2018)
"A fascinating story of the advances, setbacks, and eventual
triumph of a decades-long effort to complete the initial
reconnaissance of the solar system."
--Jeff Foust, The Space Review
"I have read the book twice... It's a thought-provoking and
well-written story of the behind-the-scenes action that brought the
spacecraft to life.... Chasing New Horizons presents a lot of
insight into what it's like to be on a spacecraft mission. Those
revelations delighted me to no end.... The book belongs on your
bookshelf. Read it often. Appreciate what it is our fellow citizens
have done to bring Pluto and the Kuiper Belt into our view."
--C.C. Petersen, TheSpacewriter.com
"A page-turner."
--Randy Showstack, EOS.com
"[Chasing New Horizons] delivers an in-depth view of how to design
a space mission, shepherd it through the hurdles of approval and
design, and send it toward the unknown when you have just one shot
to get it right."
--Sarah Lewin, Space.com
"Fantastic."
--Astronomy Magazine Podcast
"Even if you followed the [Pluto] flyby closely and think you know
this story, the book divulges details that will surprise you. Come
for the sweeping tale of wonder and exploration; stay for the
gaggle of planetary scientists celebrating on Bourbon Street once
their mission finally got the green light."
--Lisa Grossman, Science News
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