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See You In Orbit? Our Dream of Spaceflight [Print Replica] Kindle Edition

by Alan Ladwig (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 33 ratings
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Raise your hand if you want to fly in space! For centuries, a journey to space has been a shared dream of millions around the world. We have patiently, and impatiently, anticipated Sunday afternoon drives down celestial freeways. Yet, since 1961 when human space travel began, fewer than 560 professional astronauts, cosmonauts, taikonauts and a-half dozen millionaires have seen Earth from a vantage point in space. Given so few orbiting travelers, what made so many ordinary people think they had the slightest chance to fulfill their dream? After all, for decades, visionaries, government officials, space companies, and the media told us our ticket to ride was just a rocket away. All we had to do was “keep the dream alive.” With so much optimism, shouldn’t we all be there by now? See You in Orbit? Our Dream of Spaceflight will be the first non-fiction book to take a historical, personal, irreverent, and often-humorous look at the promises, expectations, principal personalities, and milestones regarding the goal and dream individuals have to fly in space. The tale begins with the visions of theoretical and practicing aerospace engineers in the 1920s and 30s; reviews space achievements and predictions for public space travel throughout the Space Race beginning in the 1950s and throughout the 60s; features public expectations in response to the advertised capabilities of the space shuttle throughout the 1970s and 80s; recounts the creation of the Space Flight Participant Program and the tragic Challenger accident (including the Teacher in Space and Journalist in Space initiatives); examines the post-Challenger reboot regarding citizen flights; and concludes on a note of optimism that the recent advances by NewSpace companies will make the dream of space flight a reality for a larger number of ordinary folks. Previously reported and well-known historical space events are intertwined throughout the story, but for the first time are recast from a perspective of what was being said about citizen space flights at the same time. The story is told through the language and norms of the times, so certain words or phrases may upset your current sensibilities.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"The door to private and commercial human exploration of space is finally open!Generations from now, we will look back at this time as the Second Golden Age of space exploration after the moon landings 50 years ago. Few have had both a ringside seat as well as been in the ring as Alan Ladwig. This book chronicles the important but difficult change from purely government-sponsored space exploration through public private partnerships and purely commercial and private endeavors."

- Richard Garriott, Private Astronaut Soyuz TMA 13

"Ever dreamed of flying in space? Me too. Alan Ladwig chronicles our deep and persistent yearnings, from pie-in-the-sky fantasy to lunar footprints, a savvy insider's narrative of a timeless human desire. This book is your tourist rocket to the cosmos as we await the real thing."

- Lynn Sherr, Journalist, author of Sally Ride: America's First Woman in Space and semi-finalist for NASA Journalist-in-Space Competition

"Ladwig tells a rollicking good story about the dream of spaceflight from test pilot astronauts to wealthy adventure tourists. But See You in Orbit? is much more than a delightful narrative of what has already transpired. It also peers into the future to project what might be as entrepreneurial firms offer opportunities for humans to orbit far beyond the dreams of the pioneers."

- Dr. Roger Launius, author of Reaching for the Moon: A Short History of the Space Race

"No one has captured our enthusiasm for space exploration as well as Alan. He vividly captures the sweeping story of the public's desire to be more than observers--to be participants. This is a must-read for understanding the new generation of space visionaries and the shoulders on which all space enthusiasts stand."

- Jeffrey Manber, former CEO of MirCorps and CEO of NanoRacks

"You will relish Alan Ladwig's comprehensive story of our na­tion's past and future goals and dreams to fly in space because it is told from the point of view of an accomplished NASA of­ficial. It also chronicles a personal, behind-the-scenes story of the delightfully brave and spirited first private citizen, Teacher in Space Christa McAuliffe and her dream to fly aboard the Challenger space shuttle.

Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, founding chairman of Challenger Center for Space Science Education and author of Silver Linings: My Life Before and After Challenger

"No one knows this story better than Alan Ladwig, and there is no one better to tell it, with such wit and warm wisdom."

- Barbara Morgan, Astronaut, STS-118

"This fantastic book is a narrative gateway to space that tells the story of our space aspirations and sets the stage for the near future. For most of us, for now, (though changing even as you read this) it is the next best thing to being there."

- Robert K. Weiss, Film and Television Producer, Vice Chair of the XPRIZE Foundation

About the Author

During his 40 year career, Alan has been recognized for his leadership and contributions in the field of policy, communications, and STEAM education in the aerospace sector. He is especially known for playing a leading role in developing and managing programs to directly engage the general public in space research and space-related outreach opportunities. He is Chief of To Orbit Productions, an independent company that provides consulting services and lectures on space policy, as well the creation of folk art based on space themes. In semi-retirement, Ladwig is also serving as the Chief of Communications and a member of the Board of Directors of the Star Harbor Space Training Academy, a startup company with plans to offer astronaut training to the public. He served three terms at NASA Headquarters - twice as a political appointee and once as a civil servant. In 2013 he retired as a political appointee of the Obama Administration where he served in the Office of Communications as the head of Public Outreach. During the Clinton Administration Ladwig established and was Associate Administrator of the Office of Policy and Plans where he led the development of the agency's Strategic Plan and participation in the development of the National Space Policy. From 1981 to 1989 he was a civil servant and managed a variety of programs for the Office of Education, the Office of Space Flight and the Office of Exploration. He managed both the Shuttle Student Involvement Program and the Spaceflight Participant Program, which included the Teacher in Space and Journalist in Space competitions. Prior to returning to NASA in 2009 he was the Manager of Space Systems for WBB Consulting and had been Sector Lead Executive for NASA business development at Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems. He served as Chief Operating Officer during the start-up phase of the Zero Gravity Corporation, a privately held space tourism and entertainment company. As Vice President of Washington Operations and Assistant to the Chairman of the Board, he established and managed Space.com's Washington Bureau and was responsible for business development, NASA relations, and strategic planning. He has discussed space topics on national and international television programs such as the Today Show, Late Night with David Letterman, The PBS Newshour, numerous Fox News programs, the Entertainment Channel, CNN news programs such as Cross Talk, Washington Journal on C-Span, TechnoPolitics, the Voice of America, and International media outlets. He also appeared in numerous space documentaries for the BBC, Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, Tech TV, and the Idaho Public Broadcasting System. He has appeared on local and national radio programs including the Diane Rehm Show, The Space Show, The Tom Joyner Show, the Voice of America, and NPR's Talk of the Nation, Evening Edition, and Science Friday. During his career Ladwig received NASA's Distinguished Service Medal, the Exceptional AchievementMedal, two Exceptional Service Medals, the Outstanding Leadership Medal, and was a member of six Group Achievement Awards. He is a Fellow of the American Astronautical Society. In 2014 Ladwig received the Distinguish Alumni Award for both Elgin Community College and the Illinois Community College Trustees Association. He served in U.S. Army with the 558th Artillery Group and stationed in Athens, Greece, 1972-1974. Ladwig received a Masters in Higher Education (1976) and Bachelors in Speech (1970) from Southern Illinois University. He received an Associates degree in Business from Elgin Community College (1968).

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07YZFJR64
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ To Orbit Productions (October 10, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 10, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 24305 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 33 ratings

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Alan Ladwig

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
33 global ratings
Funny, comprehensive, easy to read
5 Stars
Funny, comprehensive, easy to read
With all the craze of space recently, I wanted something that was going to give me a more comprehensive understanding of where we are versus where we’ve been. I’ve been watching all the space shows on Netflix, Disney +, etc. if I could do it again, I’d 100% read this book 1ST! It gave me so much contextual knowledge of man’s desire to get to the stars. It also made me realize just how many people have been fascinated with space travel over the years. It’s not just pilots and it’s not just recently.I found this book to be incredibly well written, very funny personal stories, comprehensive, and a very enjoyable easy read. Highly highly recommend for anyone.
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Top reviews from the United States

AWass
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for those curious about that insatiable desire to explore space.
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2021
Verified Purchase
The Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin space flights have refocused attention on the prospect of “ordinary” citizens taking the trip of a lifetime. To many, it’s the ultimate adventure. To others, it’s just plain crazy. But whether you’re saving your pennies for the next available space flight or wondering why anyone would hurl themselves at supersonic speeds into the deadly vacuum of space, Alan Ladwig’s book, “See You In Orbit? Our Dream of Spaceflight” is a must read.

Ladwig has dedicated his career to space, holding senior positions with NASA as well as in private sector space endeavors. His firsthand experience with the space program gives rare insight into the age-old dream of space travel.

Thoroughly researched, well written and, in some of the most compelling parts, based on his personal experience, Ladwig tells the story of mankind’s insatiable cosmic wanderlust. The story begins long before the first lift off and continues to the present. Ladwig, of course, details the space program’s proudest moments. But he also shines a light on lesser known and more troubling events including an important discussion on the artificial barriers that shamefully delayed full participation of women and minorities in the space program.

Particularly compelling are the chapters covering NASA’s Teacher in Space program, of which Ladwig played a lead role. Although we know that ended with the horror of the Challenger explosion, it’s impossible not to get caught up, anew, in the excitement of the selection process and admire Christa McAuliffe’s enthusiasm and incredible courage.

On the lighter side, you’ll read about travel agencies in the 1960’s adding prospective space tourists to waiting lists; space-related hoaxes; the “mine-is-bigger-than-yours” spat between Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson, including, how high do you have to fly to reach space and whether a billionaire space tourist is really an “Astronaut” or some lesser form of insanely adventurous being; and much more.

This insider’s perspective is a must read for those curious about that insatiable desire to “slip the surly bonds of earth” and explore the heavens beyond.
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Marlynn K Clayton
5.0 out of 5 stars A great and entertaining Summary of the past 60 years of space exploration
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2020
Verified Purchase
Alan Ladwig was on the "ground floor" of the US Space program, and watched (and helped) it grow from the 1960s on. He worked as an administrator, and has first hand knowledge of how NASA evolved, and shares it in a informative, entertaining way! He adds many humorous anecdotes about the Space Program, that he worked so closely with over a 50 year period. He is a wonderful tour guide to our past and continued ventures into space.
He worked closely with the "Teachers in Space" programs, and was "there" for the Challenger tragedy, where we lost Christa Mcauliffe and the other 7 Astronauts, and shares those moments with us intimately. He befriended Barbara Morgan, who eventually became the first Teacher in Space, and Alan brings us into the inner workings of how these flights came to be. This is a fine and noble read, providing the reader with a clear and detailed sense of how our explorations into Space have evolved from (before) the time OUR walk on the moon to the present day! I highly recommend this book!
One person found this helpful
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Kiley Rosenberg
5.0 out of 5 stars Funny, comprehensive, easy to read
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2021
Verified Purchase
With all the craze of space recently, I wanted something that was going to give me a more comprehensive understanding of where we are versus where we’ve been. I’ve been watching all the space shows on Netflix, Disney +, etc. if I could do it again, I’d 100% read this book 1ST! It gave me so much contextual knowledge of man’s desire to get to the stars. It also made me realize just how many people have been fascinated with space travel over the years. It’s not just pilots and it’s not just recently.

I found this book to be incredibly well written, very funny personal stories, comprehensive, and a very enjoyable easy read. Highly highly recommend for anyone.
Customer image
Kiley Rosenberg
5.0 out of 5 stars Funny, comprehensive, easy to read
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2021
With all the craze of space recently, I wanted something that was going to give me a more comprehensive understanding of where we are versus where we’ve been. I’ve been watching all the space shows on Netflix, Disney +, etc. if I could do it again, I’d 100% read this book 1ST! It gave me so much contextual knowledge of man’s desire to get to the stars. It also made me realize just how many people have been fascinated with space travel over the years. It’s not just pilots and it’s not just recently.

I found this book to be incredibly well written, very funny personal stories, comprehensive, and a very enjoyable easy read. Highly highly recommend for anyone.
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emily m. holton
5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you want to know, but were afraid to ask about citizens in space
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2021
Verified Purchase
This book is total Alan. His enthusiasm for this subject cannot be underestimated. He saw the program for what it should be from the beginning and has stuck with it through the years. Sometimes the book does get a bit overwhelming with all the dates and facts, but it is the best encyclopedia of the program that has ever been written. Working with Alan is amazing. He pours his heart and soul into any project he believes in. He did an amazing job with the Students Shuttle Involvement Program that, because of him and his ability to amass amazing teams, was extremely successful under his guidance. I fondly remember and treasure every moment of working with him.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A most ENJOYABLE, and personal, "must read..."
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2020
Verified Purchase
...for anyone interested in the history (and future!) of manned space flight.
Alan Ladwig's various positions both within NASA and in the private sector put him in the middle of almost every policy decision and action taken to make our space program more than a test bed for systems and equipment.

His wit and humor show as he recounts the many ups and downs of governmental policy making; his elation shows when the Teacher in Space position is finally approved; and his compassion (and grief) is evident in his minute by minute description of the subsequent Challenger explosion.

Ladwig covers the depression and confusion following that disaster, but he also documents the many dreams that didn't die that day. Dreams which have led us now to the present flowering of space exploration projects, both within NASA and in numerous private initiatives such as SpaceX and others.
2 people found this helpful
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Montie Sommers
5.0 out of 5 stars You will not be disappointed!
Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2020
Verified Purchase
The author, Alan, and I have known each other since college days. He approaches life with honesty, intellect, curiosity, intensity, and a definite twinkle in his eye! It is not surprising to me that he wrote such a fabulous book on space using all of these qualities. It is a must read! By the way, I was the young girl he talked about in the book the moment the moon landing happened.
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