Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Special Publications Series.

Opening Space Research: Dreams, Technology, and Scientific Discovery

is George Ludwig's account of the early development of space-based electromagnetic physics, with a focus on the first U.S. space launches and the discovery of the Van Allen radiation belts. Narrated by the person who developed many of the instruments for the early Explorer spacecraft during the 1950s and participated directly in the scientific research, it draws heavily upon the author's voluminous collection of laboratory notes and other papers, upon the Van Allen archive, and upon a wide array of other sources. This book presents very detailed discussions of historic events in a highly readable (semitechnical), first-person form. More than that, though, Opening Space Research brings to the forefront the entire team of scientists who made these accomplishments possible, providing an extensive index of names to enhance and complete the historical record. Authoritative and unique, this book will be of interest to space scientists, science historians, and anyone interested in space history and the first U.S. space launches.

Content:
Chapter 1 Setting the Stage at the University of Iowa (pages 5–20):
Chapter 2 The Early Years (pages 21–66):
Chapter 3 The International Geophysical Year (pages 67–88):
Chapter 4 The IGY Program at Iowa (pages 89–123):
Chapter 5 The Vanguard Cosmic Ray Instrument (pages 125–157):
Chapter 6 Sputnik! (pages 159–176):
Chapter 7 The U.S. Satellite Competition (pages 177–212):
Chapter 8 Go! Jupiter C, Juno, and Deal I (pages 213–243):
Chapter 9 The Birth of Explorer I (pages 245–262):
Chapter 10 Deal II and Explorers II and III (pages 263–286):
Chapter 11 Operations and Data Handling (pages 287–318):
Chapter 12 Discovery of the Trapped Radiation (pages 319–358):
Chapter 13 Argus and Explorers IV and V (pages 359–393):
Chapter 14 Extending the Toehold in Space (pages 395–420):
Chapter 15 Pioneering in Campus Space Research (pages 421–427):
Chapter 16 Some Personal Reflections (pages 429–443):