The first six volumes of this projected eight-volume documentary history have become an indispensable reference work for anyone interested in the history of the U.S. civil space program and its development over time. This volume contains over 100 key documents, many of which are published for the first time. Each is introduced by a headnote providing context, bibliographical details, and background information necessary to understand the document. These are organized into two chapters, each beginning with an essay that keys the documents to major events in the history of space exploration.