In his book Space: The human story, British astronaut Tim Peake reflects on the rollercoaster experience of space exploration. He shares images that showcase the dramatic and sometimes tragic nature of venturing into space. Peake, an ambassador for the European Space Agency, emphasizes the ordinary people who perform extraordinary jobs in this field.
Moments from the Moon Landing
The collection includes an iconic image of Buzz Aldrin walking on the lunar surface during the first moon landing on 20 July 1969. Although it may not be the most famous photograph of Neil Armstrong’s first steps, it captures a candid moment from the historic event.
The Launch of Apollo 11
A striking image displays the launch of the Apollo 11 mission, which took place on 16 July 1969. This mission paved the way for the moon landing and marked a significant milestone in space exploration.
Spacewalking Above Earth
An image from the Gemini 4 mission in June 1965 shows astronaut Ed White spacewalking approximately 150 kilometers above Earth. The photo showcases the incredible feat of venturing beyond our planet’s atmosphere.
Tragedy Strikes
A somber picture depicts the crew of Apollo 1, consisting of Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee. They tragically lost their lives on 27 January 1967 during a test when a fire broke out in their capsule. This incident serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in space exploration.
Looking Towards the Future
Peake envisions establishing a lunar station and using it as a stepping stone towards reaching Mars. With the International Space Station approaching retirement, he believes it is the ideal time to bring the whole story of space exploration up to date.
Topics Explored
The discussed topics include:
- The moon landing
- Apollo 11 launch
- Spacewalking during Gemini 4
- Tragedy of the Apollo 1 mission
- The future of space exploration
