A new force at a new frontier - Kevin Madders

This is a comprehensive work on the European space sector. Written by an acknowledged expert and former space agency official, the work opens up a vital component of Europe's technostructure and the world's space programmes. Its mass of information will serve the insider as a handy reference while its themes and lively analysis will absorb the layperson and assist public judgement of European space efforts. The book first explores the Space Age's origins and Europe's response up to the 1970s. It then devotes its bulk to the scene of the 1990s by investigating the European Space Agency (ESA), Eutelsat, Arianespace, Eumetsat, ASTRA, national agencies and other bodies. How this scene works, what had been achieved, how space technology is made and used, and how policy is formed are main concerns, but of interest too are various crises, including Europe's man-in-space programme. The book identifies challenges for the space community, business and the EU, and how they may be met.

'… a reader would be hard-pressed to find a treatment as comprehensive and well-researched as this one. Madders has masterfully tied together an impressive and scholarly look at Europe's interests in space technology and space policy formation.' Leonard David, Space News

'This is a comprehensive and well-researched book describing the European Space Sector from its inception … The volume throws a formidable light on the various machinations which eventually led to ESA and the formation of its present strategy. Those inclined to speculate on short-cuts to space exploration projects, particularly, will find this most illuminating.' Spaceflight

'Many of us who were involved with the European Space Research Organization … and the European Space Agency … will regret not then having had the advantage of reading Kevin Madder's book. It explains many things that were not clear … during the early hectic years … accurate and painstakingly complete.' Roy Gibson, Nature

'This single-volume, comprehensive history of European space flight provides a valuable and densely documented treatment. The author … concentrates on policy and institutional issues … The author writes with authority, and gracefully explains a formidable and complex tangle of organizations, committees, ministries, and other apparatus by which Europe achieved its own independent space capability … it is … a fine work of history in its own genre.' Joseph N. Tatarewicz, Journal for the History of Astronomy

'Criticisms apart, this book should find a place on the bookshelves of any serious space policy analyst, historian, or similar academic. Its collection of a large amount of material into a single volume will also make it useful for future writers on Europe's space activities, who will appreciate its comprehensive nature and its references to other works.' Mark Williamson, Earth Space Review