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The Space Station Decision

Incremental Politics and Technological Choice

Howard E McCurdy author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Johns Hopkins University Press

Published:11th Jan '08

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

The Space Station Decision cover

Outstanding Academic Title, 1991, Choice Magazine Although building a space station has been an extraordinary challenge for America's scientists and engineers, the securing and sustaining of presidential approval, congressional support, and long-term funding for the project was an enormous task for bureaucrats. The Space Station Decision examines the history of this controversial initiative and illustrates how bureaucracy shapes public policy. Using primary documents and interviews, Howard E. McCurdy describes the events that led up to the 1984 decision to build a permanently occupied, international space station in low Earth orbit. As he follows the trail of the space station proposal through the labyrinth of White House policy review, McCurdy explains the evolution of the presidential budget review process, the breakup of the cabinet system, the proliferation of subcabinets and Executive Office interagency, the involvement of White House staff in framing issues for presidential review, and the role of bureaucracy in advancing administration legislation on Capitol Hill. Comparing the space station decision to earlier decisions to go to the moon and to build the space shuttle, McCurdy shows how public officials responsible for long-term science and technology policy maneuvered in a political system that demanded short-term flexibility.

A timely look at the now-controversial go-ahead to build Space Station Freedom... A must-read. Ad Astra A prodigious research job... The result is an intimate history of everyone associated with the Space Station and with President Reagan's 1984 decision to fund its development... Highly recommended for space buffs and students of government. Choice 1991

ISBN: 9780801887499

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 476g

290 pages