This is the visual history and annecdotal story of the mascots, pets, companions and best friends that have made up a whole side of air history retrieved from legendary archives of the National Air & Space Museum.

This book is as a detailed, but highly readable and balanced account of the history of animal space flights carried out by all nations, but principally the United States and the Soviet Union. It explores the ways in which animal high-altitude and space flight research impacted on space flight biomedicine and technology, and how the results - both successful and disappointing - allowed human beings to then undertake that same hazardous journey with far greater understanding and confidence. This complete and authoritative book will undoubtedly become the ultimate authority on animal space flights.

The symposium is focused on manned space flight, and is primarily concerned with the life and the performance capability of the astronauts. The program of the conference is not confined to the life sciences alone but examines the 'space environment-man-machine' complex, and includes a discussion of technology, astrophysics, and astronomy, earth-based and space -bound.

This lavishly illustrated trade reference to mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, and invertebrates features hundreds of glorious photos, masterful illustrations, and informative maps.