The Rise and Fall of American Space Ambition

This chapter examines the evolution of the American space program from the moon landing to the Challenger disaster, highlighting the impact of significant milestones and public interest fluctuations. It discusses the challenges and contradictions of the space shuttle program, focusing on the interplay between civilian ambitions and military objectives. Through a detailed analysis of budget constraints and technical decisions, the narrative underscores the complexities and risks faced by NASA during this pivotal era.