Best Aeronautics & Astronautics Books of 2025

The Baby University Board Book Set is the perfect gift for parents who want to introduce their little ones to science and STEM concepts. The set includes four educational books, each featuring colorful and simple introductions to scientific principles for babies. Written by an award-winning physicist, Chris Ferrie, these books cover topics such as quantum physics, rocket science, general relativity, and Newtonian physics. This board book set is a wonderful way to encourage early learning and makes a great newborn baby gift. Overall, this series is a unique and valuable addition to any child's library.

The Standard Pilot Log (Black): ASA-SP-30 (Standard Pilot Logbooks) is a highly recommended logbook for aviators. It has been supporting the aviation industry for over six decades and complies with the FAA's recordkeeping requirements. With its versatility and flexibility, any pilot, whether a student or an ATP, can find a logbook that suits their needs. The logbook is user-friendly and provides ample space for recording flight hours and other essential information. Overall, this logbook is a valuable tool for any pilot who wants to keep track of their flying history.

Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race is a phenomenal true story of black female mathematicians at NASA whose calculations helped fuel some of America's greatest achievements in space. The book is a powerful, revelatory history essential to our understanding of race, discrimination, and achievement in modern America. The author chronicles the careers of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, four African American women who participated in some of NASA's greatest successes. This book is an inspiring tribute to the remarkable women whose contributions to science and technology were overlooked for far too long.

Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space is a fascinating and revealing book by the late astronomer Carl Sagan. The book traces the history of human exploration into the cosmos and assesses the future that lies ahead as we venture out into our solar system and beyond. Sagan argues that the exploration and eventual settlement of other worlds are necessary for the survival of the human race. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in space exploration and the future of humanity. Sagan’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex scientific concepts easy to understand.

Photographing America's First Astronauts: Project Mercury Through the Lens of Bill Taub is a comprehensive photographic account of Project Mercury, featuring more than 600 photos. Bill Taub, NASA's first staff photographer, captured never-before-seen images of America's first manned space program from 1959 to 1963, providing a unique behind-the-scenes look at the people and operations of Project Mercury in real-time. This book is the first to visually document Project Mercury, and no previous book has devoted as many images to each of the Mercury Seven astronauts and their pioneering spaceflights. This book is a must-have for photography and space enthusiasts alike.

Skunk Works by Ben Rich is a gripping memoir that chronicles America's most secret and successful aerospace operation. From the development of the U-2 to the Stealth fighter, the book provides up-close portraits of the maverick band of scientists and engineers who made the Skunk Works so renowned. The book is filled with telling personal anecdotes and high adventure, with narratives from the CIA and from Air Force pilots who flew the many classified, risky missions. Overall, Skunk Works is a fascinating read that highlights the extraordinary feats of engineering and human achievement against fantastic odds.

Stick and Rudder: An Explanation of the Art of Flying by McGraw-Hill Education is a comprehensive guide for pilots and flight enthusiasts. The book covers various aspects of flight, including the Angle of Attack, lift, stalling, landing, and the role of different controls in making a turn. The author also delves into the landing gear, advocating for the tricycle gear over the tail-dragger. One unique feature of the book is a chapter on air accidents, written by the founder and editor of AIR FACTS, Leighton Collins. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the art of flying.

The Standard Pilot Log (Navy Blue): ASA-SP-57 (Standard Pilot Logbooks) is a must-have for aviators. With over 60 years of experience, The Standard™ logbooks comply with FAA's recordkeeping requirements and offer a variety of options to fit every pilot's needs. Whether you're a student or an ATP, this versatile and easy-to-use logbook has got you covered. The navy blue cover gives it a sleek and professional look. Overall, this is an excellent logbook that every pilot should consider.

The book "Apollo Remastered: The Ultimate Photographic Record" is a stunning collection of hundreds of newly-restored and all-new images from the NASA archives that offer a never-before-seen perspective on the Apollo missions. The author, Andy Saunders, has applied cutting-edge enhancement techniques to create the highest quality Apollo photographs ever produced. The book is a mesmerizing and high-definition journey into the unknown, showcasing crystal-clear portraits of astronauts in their spacecraft and offering new insight into one of our greatest endeavors. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in the Apollo missions or astronautics and space flight.

The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe is a thrilling epic that investigates the true heroism and courage of the first Americans to conquer space. Wolfe's empathetic writing style brings to life the inner thoughts and emotions of the astronauts, providing a unique perspective on one of humanity's greatest achievements. The book has been praised for its technical accuracy, humor, and character studies. Overall, The Right Stuff is a superb and unforgettable read that showcases the incredible feats of the early space program and the remarkable individuals who made it possible.