Life in Space

Life in Space explores the many aspects and outcomes of NASAs research in life sciences, a little-understood endeavor that has often been overlooked in histories of the space agency. Maura Mackowski details NASAs work in this field from spectacular promises made during the Reagan era to the major new directions set by George W. Bush's Vision for Space Exploration.

At the first flight of NASAs space shuttle in 1981, hopes ran high for the shuttle program to achieve its potential of regularly transporting humans, cargo, and scientific experiments between Earth and the International Space Station. Mackowski describes different programs, projects, and policies initiated across NASA centers and headquarters in the following decades to advance research into human safety and habitation, plant and animal biology, and commercial biomaterials.

While highlighting significant achievements and innovations such as space radiation research and the Neurolab Spacelab Mission, Mackowski reveals frustrations—lost opportunities, stagnation, and dead ends—stemming from frequent changes in presidential administrations and policies. For today's dreams of lunar outposts or long-term spaceflight to become reality, Mackowski argues, a robust program in space life sciences is essential.

The book is published by University Press of Florida. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

A groundbreaking work... (Quest: The History of Spaceflight Quarterly)

Offers a clear-eyed analysis of a highly complex and multipart institution... (Margaret A. Weitekamp, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum)

Mackowskis research is exhaustive... (John B. Charles, NASAs Human Research Program)