Ever look up at the night sky and wonder what’s out there? Whether you’re a space nerd or just casually curious about the final frontier, these 10 stellar space books are sure to launch you into orbit. You’ll blast off to distant worlds, explore the mysteries of our solar system, and gain insights into humanity’s quest to understand the cosmos.
From epic biographies of famous astronauts to the cutting-edge of modern space science, this list has something for every aspiring stargazer. So strap in, the countdown is underway – your mind is about to go where few have gone before. The only limit is your imagination.
Rocket Men by Robert Kurson
If you’re looking to blast off into the final frontier, Rocket Men by Robert Kurson is the book for you. This New York Times bestseller chronicles the gripping true story of the Apollo 11 mission that first landed astronauts on the moon.
You’ll get a first-hand look at the three courageous “rocket men” – Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins – who made the dangerous journey. Kurson brings these astronauts and the turbulent 60s era to life through in-depth research and interviews. You’ll feel the tension build as the mission encounters setbacks and close calls.
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
Hidden Figures tells the incredible true story of three African-American women who overcame discrimination to play vital roles in the early years of the U.S. space program.
In the 1950s, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson were “human computers” at NASA – doing complex math calculations by hand that would eventually be done by electronic computers. Though segregated from their white male colleagues, their brilliance and perseverance allowed them to rise to positions of influence at NASA.
The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe
Tom Wolfe’s 1979 book The Right Stuff tells the story of the early days of the U.S. space program and the Mercury 7 astronauts. Wolfe’s new journalism style makes you feel like you’re right there amid the action.
With Wolfe’s vivid accounts, you’ll experience the daring exploits of test pilots pushing the envelope in experimental aircraft, the tense early days of the space race with the Soviet Union, and the hype around the Mercury 7 astronauts as they became instant American heroes.
Wolfe’s insightful and humorous observations of politicians, military leaders, scientists and the astronauts themselves provide an unparalleled glimpse into this pivotal time in history that shaped the future of human space exploration.
A Man on the Moon by Andrew Chaikin
A Man on the Moon by Andrew Chaikin is a gripping account of the entire Apollo space program and the first moon landings. This New York Times bestseller chronicles the journey from President Kennedy’s 1961 challenge to land astronauts on the lunar surface before the end of the decade to Apollo 11’s historic first manned moon landing in 1969.
Chaikin conducted extensive interviews with each of the astronauts themselves, as well as others closely involved in the program. He provides a firsthand look at the dangerous training, the heart-stopping missions in space, and life as an astronaut. You’ll experience the sacrifices, the failures and triumphs, the friendships, and ultimately the eternal legacy of this giant leap for mankind.
Packing for Mars by Mary Roach
Mary Roach’s Packing for Mars is a quirky deep dive into the lesser-known aspects of space travel. Roach investigates thought-provoking questions about life as an astronaut that you’ve probably never considered before.
In zero gravity, vomit doesn’t just drop to the floor. Roach details the challenges of space motion sickness and how NASA prepares for all scenarios. Unsurprisingly, there are bags for everything – and we mean everything.
Apollo 13 by Jim Lovell and Jeffrey Kluger
This gripping book chronicles the harrowing journey of the Apollo 13 mission. Told by mission commander Jim Lovell himself, you’ll get a first-hand account of what went wrong and the herculean efforts to get the astronauts home safely.
When an oxygen tank exploded onboard, the lunar landing was aborted and the spacecraft lost most of its oxygen supply and propulsion systems. The story of how mission control worked around the clock to devise a plan to return Apollo 13 to Earth will have you on the edge of your seat. Lovell’s calm and steely leadership in the face of disaster showed what the astronauts were really made of.
The Martian by Andy Weir
The Martian by Andy Weir is a gripping sci-fi novel that will send you blasting into space. Set in the mid-21st century, the story follows Mark Watney, a NASA astronaut stranded alone on Mars after his crew presumes him dead and flies to Earth.
You’ll be on the edge of your seat as Mark relies on his ingenuity and wit to survive in the harsh Martian environment. Facing dwindling supplies, unforgiving dust storms and equipment failures, Mark must stay determined and resourceful to make it through each challenge. Told through a series of log entries, the first-person narrative gives an intimate glimpse into Mark’s struggle to survive in total isolation.
2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke
One of the most influential science fiction books ever written, Arthur C. Clarke’s 2001: A Space Odyssey explores humanity’s place in the universe and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
Originally released in 1968, the story begins with the discovery of an alien artefact on the moon that’s been buried for millions of years. A team of astronauts and scientists embark on a journey to Saturn aboard the spacecraft Discovery One to investigate.
The Complete Cosmicomics by Italo Calvino
The Complete Cosmicomics by Italo Calvino is a collection of short stories originally published in Italian between 1963 to 1968. Calvino reimagines creation myths and the evolution of the universe in a whimsical, philosophical way.
Each tale features the same protagonist, a being called Qfwfq who has been around since the Big Bang. Qfwfq narrates the stories in the first person, giving a unique perspective on events like the formation of the galaxies, the beginnings of life on Earth, and the extinction of the dinosaurs.
Calvino’s writing is highly imaginative yet also deeply thought-provoking. He finds insight and meaning in the smallest details of existence, inviting readers to look at the world in a new light.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
This hilarious science-fiction comedy follows the adventures of Arthur Dent as he narrowly escapes the destruction of Earth to make way for a new hyperspace bypass. Arthur is rescued at the last moment by his friend Ford Prefect, who reveals that he is not from Guildford as he’s claimed for the past 15 years, but is actually from a small planet somewhere in the vicinity of Betelgeuse.
Ford is a researcher for the titular Guide, a travel guide for hitchhikers in the galaxy. The story follows their adventures through space as they meet up with the two-headed Galactic President Zaphod Beeblebrox, Trillion, and Marvin, the Paranoid Android. They embark on a quest to find the legendary planet Magrathea, frozen in time, and the meaning of life, the universe, and everything.
There we have it, our list 0f 10 best space books. What do you think about our picks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below: