This book traces the history of the space age from its origins in World War II when both the American and Soviet governments adopted emigrating German scientists. V2 rocket technology led to the beginnings of the space race, which was later fuelled by the Cold War. From the earliest unmanned craft such as Explorer and Vanguard to the futuristic designs of the Delta V and the new Space Shuttle, The History of Space Vehicles describes how these awe-inspiring creations work and enable man to explore our greatest frontier.