Spaceflight and the Myth of Presidential Leadership Paperback – August 1, 1997

I attended the conference at which these papers were read. It was fascinating. I have used this book in classes on Space Policy. Students love the pictures that are painted of differing Presidential interests. Highly recommended.

The idea that the POTUS can't/doesn't/wouldn't influence space policy in the US is laughable. The authors are so full of theiracademia dribble they ignore reality. Such baloney.

Most of the papers sre similar in tone and pace to JOHN F KENNEDY AND THE RSCE TO THE MOON. However, I found the section on the Reagan and the first Bush administrations to be uninspirational - For example, I could care less about the oft-repeated references to primary and ancillary policy.

I use this book in my "Issues in U.S. Space Policy" course at the Illinois Institute of Technology. It is an essential book on the development of American space policy during the 20th century. The book's thesis is critically important for those hoping to understand the reasons why human spaceflight has largely been in a holding pattern for the past 35 years (the Vision for Space Exploration notwithstanding). This book is perfect for undergraduate education, and is a crucial read for any serious student of American space policy. Michael Beschloss' overview of the Decision to go to the Moon is an effective synopsis of the classic book by John Logsdon. The chapter by Joan Hoff regarding the Nixon administration and post-Apollo deceleration is particularly interesting.