The Conquest of Space (Lasser book)

The Conquest of Space is a non-fiction book edited by H. H. Lasser, published in 1951. It compiles a series of articles written by leading scientists, engineers, and writers of the time about the technical and theoretical aspects of space travel. The book explores the possibilities of spaceflight, addressing topics such as rocket propulsion, orbital mechanics, space station design, the challenges of surviving in space, and the potential for exploring other planets, particularly Mars. Contributors included Wernher von Braun, Willy Ley, and Chesley Bonestell, whose illustrations played a significant role in popularizing the idea of space exploration. The Conquest of Space is considered a significant early work in the popularization of space travel and helped to inspire a generation of scientists and engineers. It is noted for its technical accuracy, given the knowledge available at the time, and its optimistic vision of humanity's future in space.