The Smithsonian Book of Air & Space Trivia [Paperback]

Who was the first person to dine in space? How long was the Wright brothers's first successful flight? What famous aircraft was named after a grape-flavored soft drink? What toy based on an animated film accompanied astronauts on a shuttle mission in 2000? These questions and many more are answered inThe Smithsonian Book of Air & Space Trivia. In addition to the canon of space and aviation information, the pages are illustrated with more than 125 objects from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's collections.Foreword
Chapter 1 - Pioneers of Air and Space
Chapter 2 - Centuries of Discovery
Chapter 3 - Launches and Landings
Chapter 4 - Getting on Board
Chapter 5 - Dogfights and Aliens
Chapter 6 - Women Take Wing
Chapter 7 - War in the Skies
Chapter 8 - Controversies and Calamities
Chapter 9 - From Monoplanes to Moon BuggiesPUBLISHERS WEEKLY

A perfect gift for the space geek in one's life, this brief but packed collection will offer surprises even to those knowledgeable about early aircraft and space travel. Obscure factoids abound; for instance, the toy Buzz Lightyear really did fly—he was taken on a 2008 Space Shuttle Discovery mission to the International Space Station. Topics range from the Apollo space missions to pioneer figures in aviation like the Wright Brothers, and the book tests knowledge of such details as the names of all the space shuttles as well as the first military airplane and first money-making passenger plane. The information on women in aviation is extensive, including the fact that the first air attendant originally applied to be a pilot. And, of course, the Smithsonian addresses the oft-asked question, How do astronauts go to the bathroom in space?, complete with a picture of space diapers. With numerous photos, especially of various aircraft, this is something that should appeal to all ages and backgrounds. 115 b&w photos. (Apr.)

FOREWORD

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