"Live From Cape Canaveral": Covering the Space Race, From Sputnik to Today

Science News,  Sept 29, 2007  

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"LIVE FROM CAPE CANAVERAL": Covering the Space Race, From Sputnik to Today JAY BARBREE

The only reporter to cover every mission flown by astronauts, NBC's Barbree has a unique perspective on the people involved in some of the United States' space milestones. Here he gives a firsthand account of his experiences covering the Cape Canaveral beat over the past 50 years. He recounts the tension that existed as the United States and the Soviet Union vied to be first to send a human into space. He provides portraits of Alan Shepard, the first American in space, and of John Glenn, who led the Mercury mission that made first U.S.-manned orbital flight. He offers a detailed review of the Apollo I tragedy, describes the never-to-be forgotten experience of transmitting the lunar landing live on the radio in 1969, and provides a sobering account of the Challenger disaster. A pilot himself, Barbree became friendly with the astronauts, who allowed him unprecedented access to their lives. Smithsonian/HarperCollins, 2007, 321 p., color and b&w photos, hardcover, $26.95.

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