Life in Space: NASA Life Sciences Research during the Late Twentieth Century

"This book explores the many aspects and outcomes of NASA's research in life sciences, a little-understood endeavor that has often been overlooked in histories of the space agency"--
A little-known yet critical part ofNASA history Life in Space explores the many aspects andoutcomes of NASA’s research in life sciences, a little-understood endeavor thathas often been overlooked in histories of the space agency. Maura Mackowskidetails NASA’s work in this field from spectacular promises made during theReagan era to the major new directions set by George W. Bush’s Vision for SpaceExploration in the early twenty-first century.             At thefirst flight of NASA’s space shuttle in 1981, hopes ran high for the shuttleprogram to achieve its potential of regularly transporting humans, cargo, andscientific experiments between Earth and the International Space Station.Mackowski describes different programs, projects, and policies initiated acrossNASA centers and headquarters in the following decades to advance research intohuman safety and habitation, plant and animal biology, and commercialbiomaterials. Mackowski illuminates these ventures in fascinating detail bydrawing on rare archival sources, oral histories, interviews, and site visits.             Whilehighlighting significant achievements and innovations such as space radiationresearch and the Neurolab Spacelab Mission, Mackowski reveals frustrations—lostopportunities, stagnation, and dead ends—stemming from frequent changes inpresidential administrations and policies. For today’s dreams of lunar outpostsor long-term spaceflight to become reality, Mackowski argues, a robust programin space life sciences is essential, and the history in this book offerslessons to help prevent leaving more expectations unfulfilled.