LIFTOFF

Sci-fi dreams have turned into reality when Elon Musk launched SpaceX. This book describes the desperate early days and is a true and astounding story of the men and women involved. In 2006, a young team of engineers at SpaceX launched the company's first single-engine rocket. The Falcon 1 rose into the air for 30 seconds until its engine flamed out and the rocket crashed back into the ocean. After two more failed test flights, and with only one rocket left in the factory, Elon Musk decided to try one last, dramatic launch. If it crashed and burned, so would SpaceX. In 2008 the rocket lifted off and accelerated like a dream, soaring into orbit. The following decade would see SpaceX go from strength to strength, building two different space craft, pioneering reusable rocket-descents, and creating a rocket with a staggering 27 engines. But such achievements would not be possible without the gamble of SpaceX's first four test flights and the leadership provided by a hugely ambitious CEO. Here is the complete story. The prologue begins 'A fat, red sun sank into the Texas horizon as Elon Musk bounded towards a silvery spaceship. Reaching its concrete landing pad, Musk marvelled up at the stainless steel steampunk contraption looming above, which shone brilliantly in the dying light. 'It's like something out of a Mad Max movie' he gushed about the first prototype of his Mars rocket, nicknamed Starhopper.' 280pp in large softback, colour photos.