Burgess, Colin

Relates the history of animal atmospheric and space flights from the fledgling biological flights of the post-World War II years to the era of the space shuttle, describing the controversial use of dogs, monkeys, mice, and other creatures by the U.S., Soviet Union, and other countries to pave with way for manned space exploration.

Provides brief biographical sketches commemorating fifteen astronauts who died as a result of their efforts to reach the moon.