How Apollo Flew to the Moon - W. David Woods (2008)

A space exploration enthusiast from Bearsden has written a book about Apollo's journeys to the moon in 1971. David, a post-production editor at BBC Scotland, is keen to point out that his book is aimed at geeks. He was careful to make it as human as possible and accessible for all. He says it is a narrative rather than a manual. His book is entitled ΓÇÿHow Apollo Flew to the moonΓÇÖ and is available from all good bookshops." (Milngavie & Bearsden Herald, January, 2008)

"David has written a book in his spare time, compiled from his extensive research into the manned space missions. The book he's produced is a composite mission that follows a virtual flight to the moon from launch to splashdown. He's managed to write a scientific book about the moon that is science-packed, but actually very easy to read. His book has been well received among the international space community but it deserves to be a cross-over success." (Glasgow Sunday Herald, February 2008)

"I must personally say that I have found, what I consider, the quintessential book on flying Apollo. If you want to understand the terminology, the various systems, how they functioned together to land on the Moon and return home, then this is the book. While I have written articles on the Apollo Guidance Computer, the star charts used and proofed a new book coming out on the lunar landing, this book explains the mission simply and succinctly. David, this book is really well done." (Larry McGlynn, www.apollotribute.blogspot.com, March, 2008)

"An impressive book about the sequence of NASA Apollo flights that led to and beyond the moon landing in 1969. The book provides excellent descriptions of what occurred at each stage of the missions. this one is particularly good at explaining technical issues like orbital mechanics in understandable language. Includes excellent photographs (several in color) and diagrams, a 5-page glossary, a 3-page suggestion for further reading, and a good 20-page index. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers/libraries." (W. E. Howard, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (10), June, 2008)

"This is, quite simply, one of the five best books ever written about the Apollo program. Most books on Apollo have dealt with the "what" and "when" of the subject; this is the first to go deeply into the "how" of the missions. Accompanying the text are many photos and diagrams, and there's also a selection of colour plates. There's so much to absorb in this book. A superb book in all respects!" (Liftoff, Issue 244, March-April, 2008)

"A wealth of knowledge regarding the early days of manned space exploration." Woods describes each phase of an Apollo Mission in intimate detail, from the stacking of the booster until the crews are safely abroad the aircraft carrier. Ultimately, it is an easy read. "As an armchair historian, I have always wondered about the intricacies on Apollo. Woods' book really satisfied my curiosity about systems and people." (James M. Busby, Space Times, Vol. 47 (3), 2008)

Out of the technological battlefield of World War II came a team of gifted German engineers and designers who developed the vengeance weapon, the V-2, which evolved into the peaceful, powerful Saturn V rocket to take men to the Moon. David Woods tells the exciting story, starting from America's post war astronautical research facilities, that used the V-2 for the development of the robust, resilient and reliable Saturn V launcher. He describes the initial launches through manned orbital spaceflights, comprehensively detailing each step, including computer configuration, the role of ground control, trajectory planning, lunar orbiting, separation of the lander, walking and working on the Moon, retrieval of the lunar astronauts and returning to Earth in this massive technical accomplishment.

400 pages
Publisher: Praxis; 1 edition (January 8, 2008)
Language: English