The book A-Z Astronomy and Space Science as a means to achieve the lofty goals of new knowledge, economic benefit, and peace. And it is about space as a destination and an adventure that can, by means of the striving for it and through the outcomes that may be achieved in reaching it, bring multifold benefits to all of humanity. It's been almost fifty years since the dawn of the space age. Now, we can realistically anticipate that humans will one day live and work in space, and as we contemplate that day we know well that we, too, may have a part to play in the planning and preparation required to accomplish this remarkable vision. They worked on every major space program this country has ever mounted, and most of the minor ones as well. Readers will find brief descriptions of the authors following each chapter. These are accomplished individuals with expertise based not only on theory, but on hard-won experience.

Astronomers have studied the heavens for more than two millennia, but in the twentieth century, humankind ventured off planet Earth into the dark vacuum void of space, forever changing our perspective of our home planet and on our relationship to the universe in which we reside.



Author Bio: Samayal Varadarajan is an Assistant Professor of Geography in Centre for Development Studies (CDS), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He received his Ph.D. from the Joint Doctoral Program in Geography and Space Science from the Annamalai University, Chennai. Dr. Varadarajan teaches courses in both the IRAPP and Geography programs including Basic Computer Techniques in Regional Analysis, Seminar in Regional Analysis, Graduate Seminar in Regional Analysis, Physical Geography, Environmental Geography, and Remote Sensing of Environment.

His current research interests include using satellite remote sensing and hydrological modeling to investigate the impacts of human and natural disturbances on watershed structure and function. Dr. Varadarajan has written numerous research articles on topics in structural geology and tectonics, and has authored or co-authored three other books: Basic of Geology, Structure of the Earth and Space Science.