Customer Reviews
Destination Space - chapter 2:
not as engaging as Rocketeers by M.Belfiore, however this is the second best book on the emerging private space industry I know of.
I would (have) buy (bought) both, but would recommend you buy Rocketeers as it is more engaging as you feel as though you are actually part of the action. If you are happy to watch from a distance … this book is fine too.
If You Admire Burt Rutan….:
… you will probably enjoy this book, written by a Scottish finance journalist, because it is essentially the background to development of the Virgin Galactic SS2 presently being built by Burt Rutan. By and large the book covers all of the essential elements of the story from the X15, to Dr Peter Diamandis’ creation of the inspirational X Prize. As you probably know Burt Rutan was the first contestant to sign up for the X Prize and the eventual winner. The book is most interesting in the background details it provides of Sir Richard Branson’s involvement and also the involvement of the extraordinary Paul G Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, blues afficianado and (like all the potential readers of this book) a space nut. Allen financed the development and construction of Burt Rutan’s SpaceShipOne, which will no doubt go down, in the centuries to come, as the most enlightened example of philanthropy in human history. It appears he owns, through his Vulcan Productions, the IP rights to SS1 and future ships built to this design. The book is full of interesting details about the Virgin Galactic people, but one little detail has been ommitted (that Will Whitehorn was once a member of the Scottish punk rock group “Johnny and the Self-Abusers” later to become the legendary “Simple Minds”). I would have given this immensely interesting book five stars but for one niggling annoyance. There are many minor inaccuracies such as referring to the Chairman of International Space Brokers as John Vinter and John Vintner. Plainly the book was written in a hurry because it refers to events that occurred only a few months ago, but overall it is of profound significance to anyone who, like me, is deeply interested in the progress Mr Rutan is making in the development of SS2 and in his visions of a safe, cost effective, orbital vehicle. All in all, I highly recommend this book.
John J Leonard
CEO
XAVIERAX
Inspiration A+ Writing style C-:
You couldn’t ask for a more inspirational story about the new entrepreneurial space pioneers. Author Kenny Kemp has done a comprehensive job of researching these heroes and telling their stories. However, perhaps because I am from the US and Mr. Kemp is from Scotland, I had a difficult time with his writing style which seemed a bit rough. For someone interested in space exploration and development this is a worthwhile read. For American readers looking for a smooth, comfortable reading experience — keep looking.
Good Background Book:
Destination Space is a good read for those seeking to understand the players in New Space. The book provides insights as to the places and charcaters that comproise the fledging commercial space launch industry. The book does tend to focus on Virgin Galatic, Burt Rutan and the ongoing construction of the dedicated commercial spaceport in New Mexico. I do recommend the book to anyone seeking greater understanding of how the NewSpace industry is evolving.
