Preservation Works

“Preservation Works” provides examples of real case studies where historic preservation of space heritage has been successful, demonstrating potential routes for preservation. The chapter includes discussions on saving the Space Shuttles (led by Donaldson), designation of Tranquillity Base on state historical registries, establishment of a multi-state park for the Manhattan Project, and other smaller efforts to preserve artifacts and recognize sites.

Astronaut Training Sites

“Astronaut Training Sites” provides some of the most obscure sites associated with the Apollo program, which are the astronaut training locations across the world- examples include the Meteor Crater in Arizona and Sierra Blanca. Field training required a number of remote locations with unique geology in order to receive instruction and practice on navigating and performing mission duties while in similar rocky, volcanic conditions. This chapter also provides an overview of how astronauts were originally selected, mainly, by Eugene Shoemaker.

Cultural Context of Apollo Culture

This chapter expands on the notion of Apollo Culture in greater detail, beginning with an historic context of the Cold War era. It takes a look at the Sputnik and Vanguard launches during the IGY (International Geophysical Year) Space Race, and explains how these political and social events of the mid-20th century set the stage for the rise and fall of the Apollo program- which required a combination of engineering, marketing, and scientific efforts by the federal government.

Introduction

Chapter 1 introduces the concepts of “importance” and historic preservation at a high-level and explains the biographies of each of the authors. The included chapter outline also provides an overview of the scope and content of the book. This chapter begins with an overview and definition of human culture, and how it has changed over time. The concepts of archaeology and space archaeology are introduced within the context of place-based historic preservation and Apollo culture.

Threats to Space Heritage Sites

“Threats to Space Heritage Sites” explores a number of threats to space heritage sites on Earth and the Moon. It begins with an overview of what threats mean for the significance and integrity of a site, and include factors like environmental damage, neglect, and failure to properly identify resources which can lead to create adverse effects. The authors call upon the federal government, private sector, and public to preserve important sites in space heritage before they are lost or damaged.

Legal Frameworks for Historic Preservation

“Legal Frameworks for Historic Preservation” provides an overview of the various federal and international laws and guidelines for historic preservation of culture, and explains how preservation of space heritage sites like those noted in the book can fit into that system. Particular attention is paid to the World Heritage List, the United Nations, the National Register of Historic Places, and the National Historic Landmark programs, in terms of the criteria for inclusion in them. The authors make the case for the overarching significance of space heritage sites within this context by referring to their integrity and elaborating on the Man in Space Theme Study.

Looking Ahead

The concluding chapter of this book looks ahead to the future of the preservation of space heritage and uses the examples of the sale of space heritage artifacts on the commercial market as a potentially harmful trend for preservation that is emerging. The authors recap the importance of historic preservation, raising awareness, and taking action before it is too late.

Preservation of Space Heritage Using Models from the Sea and Antarctica

“Preservation of Space Heritage using Models from the Sea and Antarctica” turns to existing precedents set by the concepts of international waters and lands, like Underwater Heritage for the sea and Antarctica, as possible models for how other properties that lack ownership (such as Tranquillity Base on the Moon) could be preserved. The authors also discuss the concept of cultural landscape as a mechanism that is gaining recognition among other types of historic preservation efforts, being made by the likes of the UN Convention, NASA Guidelines, XPrize, and the Outer Space Treaty, and how it is becoming more important as threats to space heritage are emerging.

Facilities to Protect Human Life and Safety

“Facilities to Protect Human Life and Safety” reviews many of the sites and facilities where experimentation on human life support and safety technology was carried out, including the White Sands Missile Range, where the Little Joe II rocket was created. This includes human and non-human primate testing at Edwards and Holloman Air Force bases, by mentionables John Stapp and Joseph Kittinger, on a variety of rocket sleds such as the Bopper Sled. The chapter also covers nominable test tracks like the High Speed and Daisy Test Track, as well as life support equipment, high-altitude jumps, and G-force.

Rocket Testing Sites

“Rocket Testing Sites” presents some of the lesser known rocket testing sites founded with a better understanding of physics and rocketry provided by Goddard, beginning with the development of the V-2 and A-4 rockets. The chapter focuses on some histories of rocket testing involving Operation Paperclip and Werner Von Braun, such as the Saturn V and Redstone projects. It also focuses on memorable launching experimentation at a variety of facilities in the U.S., like the White Sands in New Mexico, the neighbouring Pioneer Deep Space Station, Cape Canaveral in Florida, the Edwards and Holloman Air Force Bases, and the Santa Susana Field Laboratory.