The Exploring the Universe series is a detailed guide to the exploration of space, covering subjects from the birth of the universe and the formation of black holes to astronaut training and space telescopes. Each book includes clear explanations of scientific concepts and theories and informative annotated diagrams. From Sputnik to the Space Shuttle, the twentieth century’s superpowers competed in the “space race,” culminating with the remarkable achievements of the Apollo moon landings and the Pioneer missions to the outer solar system. Today complex planetary and comet probes, long-term space stations, and satellite-based telescopes continue to expand mankind’s knowledge of the universe.