An examination of American space policy in the 12 years after World War II and in particular of the reaction provoked by the launching of the first Sputnik satellite in 1957. In the author's opinion the truth of what occurred in this period has been clouded by confusion and misinformation.

Inhalt
Part 1 Crisis: a devastating blow; "Ad Homines" - Eisenhower and Johnson before 1957. Part 2 Truman: advice on missiles for Truman; advice on space for Truman; intelligence for Truman; the Truman space policy. Part 3 International geophysical year: proposing satellites for the IGY; satellites in the IGY. Part 4 Eisenhower: advice for Eisenhower; intelligence for Eisenhower; Eisenhower's early space policy. Part 5 Judgements: post mortem; versions of events.